Topeka may spend $2.35M more for Kansas River project where boaters drowned

Topeka’s city government suffered a setback last year when costs turned out to be far more than expected for a project to improve the safety of its Kansas River weir, where three people have drowned since 2007.

But the city council could put the project back on track if it approves $2.35 million as part of city manager Brent Trout’s proposed 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Plan.

“The CIP funds would allow the project to move forward,” said city utilities engineer Paul Bodner.

The project to improve safety at the weir is being considered at a time when local officials had been talking about turning the riverfront into a source of community pride.

The weir is north of the city’s water treatment plant at 3245 N.W. Waterworks Drive. Water flowing over the spillway at its south end creates an undertow, which can capsize kayaks and canoes.