TOPEKA (KSNT) - A large-scale construction project on I-70 is estimated to provide hundreds of local workers with jobs over the next few years. Work crews are getting ready for the start of phase three for the massive $239 million Polk-Quincy Viaduct project's construction period which is set to begin in early 2025. Preparation for the project has been ongoing for years, but the pace of construction work will increase significantly as crews start to focus on the viaduct itself. Workers will reconstruct and realign the viaduct to bring it up to current safety standards, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Kate Craft with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) told 27 News the project in Topeka will draw heavily from the local workforce. She said an estimated 275 employees from the primary and sub-contractors may work on the project throughout phase three of the construction process. ‘This is hope for us’: Major changes underway at West Ridge Mall Craft said this is not taking into account office support staff or KDOT workers who will participate in the project. All of these workers are expected to have a positive impact on the economy while the project is underway, with the Polk-Quincy Viaduct's estimated completion in 2027 bringing further benefits to the Capital City's highway travelers. "During the construction phase, there will be indirect economic benefits as workers will spend money locally on lodging, dining and supplies," Craft said. "Upon completion, the project is expected to create positive economic impacts by improving safety and reducing congestion through the corridor; as well as enhancing access and connectivity to local businesses and community locations." 27 News also reached out to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc. and Koss Construction Co. for comment on the project. Both companies will be partnering with each other to complete work on the viaduct. Old Sasnak bar in north Topeka for sale at nearly $300,000 Lee Hendricks, general counsel for Bettis Companies, provided a statement on behalf of the "joint venture" between the two construction companies. He said Bettis and Koss are anticipating the start of construction work on the viaduct and are looking forward to partnering with KDOT, Shawnee County and the City of Topeka to complete it. "The Bettis Koss Construction Joint Venture could not be more excited to begin the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, a project which will improve road travel and safety for Topeka residents and travelers alike," Hendricks said. "It is especially rewarding that the Joint Venture is composed of two long standing, family-owned companies based in Topeka, whose ownership and employees will be using and benefitting from the improvement in the same manner as Shawnee County and Topeka residents." Craft said, while a specific start date has yet to be identified, but drivers may begin noticing the tell-tale signs of the road work project appearing on the viaduct in Topeka. The initial work that will take place in early 2025 is not expected to have any major impacts on people using I-70 in Topeka. The Polk-Quincy Viaduct project is part of KDOT's Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and is being funded through federal, state and local sources. You can learn more about the project by clicking here. Big changes are coming to Gage Park, what to know For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf