Updated: Ramp from I-135 to K-96 in Wichita has reopened
Updated Friday:
The southbound I-135 ramp to eastbound K-96 in Wichita has been reopened, the Kansas Department of Transportation said Friday morning.
“Recent weather caused washouts under the structure of the southbound I-135 ramp to eastbound K-96,” KDOT spokesperson Tracy Statton said in a news release sent out at 9:05 a.m. “The ramp was closed as a precautionary measure. The recent rain had caused the soil to become oversaturated. It was able to be shored up and filled with flowable fill.”
KDOT announced that the ramp was closed just before 4 p.m. Thursday.
Original Thursday:
The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed the southbound I-135 ramp to eastbound K-96 in Wichita, the department said Thursday afternoon.
“Recent weather has caused washouts under the structure of the southbound I-135 ramp to eastbound K-96,” KDOT said. “As a precautionary measure, the ramp will be closed until further notice.”
KDOT Public Affairs Specialist Tracy Statton said contractors are inspecting the ramp.
She did not say if the ramp is unsafe, but said the closure was due to “the dirt work around the framing... around the beams and such” of the ramp.
“It [the dirt] helps provide extra support, you know, that’s washed out,” Statton said.
KDOT did not provide any detours at this time, but suggested drivers get off on the exit before the ramp.
There is no clear date on when the ramp might reopen.
This story was originally published January 11, 2024 at 5:00 PM.