Context: The above video originally aired on May 29.
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Locals planning to attend the upcoming Fiesta Topeka may get frustrated because of a local bridge construction project scheduled to last for months.
The City of Topeka announced earlier this year that it would be sending work crews to the Branner bridge in the Oakland area to conduct repair work. The entire project is slated to last for 110 days, or around three-and-a-half months, starting on Monday, June 2. The project’s timeline means it will impact local traffic during the upcoming Fiesta Topeka events that start in late June and continue into July.
27 News reached out to Fiesta Topeka organizers and the District 2 Topeka City Council representative to learn more about the situation and what precautions are being taken prior to the start of this year’s Fiesta Topeka. Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcalá said the city has conducted outreach to the local community to inform them about the scope of the project for a while now.
“Living in Oakland – I understand the frustrations,” Valdivia-Alcalá said. “I also know educating the community on the upcoming closure has been happening for a number of weeks. During Fiesta time the bridge is often closed during Fiesta hours. Yes it will be an inconvenience with the closure for the 3 month period. However I am grateful we have the City funds to be doing the much needed work on the Branner Bridge.”
Fire crews respond to Goodyear tire plant in Topeka
Marisol Marcelo, the publicity chair for Fiesta Topeka, said her team is working closely with the City of Topeka ahead of the celebrations this year. She said people are encouraged to use nearby streets such as Sardou Avenue, Sixth Street or other bridges to access the Fiesta Topeka.
“As organizers of Fiesta Topeka, we understand the concerns surrounding the bridge closure, especially as it coincides with such a cherished and historic celebration in our community,” Marcelo said. “While the timing is not ideal, we recognize the importance of these infrastructure improvements for the safety and longevity of our neighborhood.”
Marcelo said organizers for Fiesta Topeka will be offering a free shuttle service, sponsored by Reser’s Fine Foods, for the event. While information on shuttle pickup times and locations has yet to be announced, the service is expected to help people avoid construction-related issues and reduce parking congestion.
“We will be sharing maps, shuttle details, and detour directions on both our website and social media channels, so we encourage everyone to stay tuned and plan ahead for a smooth and enjoyable Fiesta Topeka experience,” Marcelo said.
Two Topeka women dead after Highway 24 crash
The City of Topeka released an official detour route for the bridge work. Drivers are encouraged to use the following routes while the project is ongoing:
- Northbound traffic.
- Travel east along Southeast Fourth Street to Southeast Golden Avenue.
- Head north to Northeast Seward Avenue.
- Lastly, head west back to Northeast Branner Street.
- Southbound traffic.
- Travel east along Northeast Seward Avenue to Northeast Golden Avenue.
- Go south to Southeast Fourth Street.
- Finally, head west back to Southeast Branner Street.
Events for 2025’s Fiesta Topeka start with a 5k run/walk in Oakland on June 28, with the main festival running from July 15-19. You can learn more about Fiesta Topeka by heading to the event’s website or following it on Facebook.
What will happen to the old JCPenney space at West Ridge Mall?
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
