Context: The above video initially aired on Sunday, Aug. 17.
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Some Topeka locals are venting their frustrations over a road work project that will last for months to come.
Topeka work crews will shut down part of Southwest Fairlawn Road starting on Tuesday, Aug. 19 through to October 2026 for street, waterline, stormwater and sanitary sewer improvements. The closure starts at Southwest 22nd Place and runs to Southwest 28th Street.
Topekans who use Southwest Fairlawn Road regularly or who live near the project are irritated with the long duration of the project and the expected traffic headaches it may bring.
“That’s like a major route that me and my family use as far as going to the store, as far as going to school,” said local resident Marlon Smith. “When you’re used to travelling the same route for so long it’s kind of a little annoying.”
“Five minutes probably becomes longer than that to get to work,” said Topekan Alex Hunt. ” In terms of like having our groceries delivered they’re gonna have to take the long way around. So, it’s just gonna be inconvenient for people cause Fairlawn’s a pretty busy street.”
City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett said the project is part of the city’s ongoing effort to improve local infrastructure and long-term safety and reliability. Some locals, like Susan Palmer, believe there might be a better way to tackle these issues.
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“I don’t know why they couldn’t have broken it up from 21st to 25th and then did 25th to 28th to make it a little easier,” Palmer said.
The City of Topeka will establish a detour that takes drivers to Gage Boulevard. People can still access all driveways on Southwest Fairlawn Road and school crossings will be posted.
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