TOPEKA (KSNT) — More construction has begun on 12th St. in downtown Topeka.
The stretch of Western Ave. and Clay St. is closed while the city installs new water main valves. The city of Topeka said 12th and Clay will only be closed for 10 days, while 12th and Western will be closed for 4-5 weeks.
The area around 12th St. is largely residential, so some neighbors aren’t happy with the closures. Parts of 12th St. between Oakley St. and Gage Blvd. have been closed since 2022, but the section between Western and Clay has been closed since February 20. Many residents told 27 News they had to find alternative ways to get to and from their homes on Monday morning.
“I had to get up and move my car this morning because construction was starting very early and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get out,” said Grace Gotta of Central Topeka. “So we started parking across the street to try and get out easier. But honestly in the last five years, we haven’t been able to sue 12th Street.”
I have to say the construction has been an inconvenience the entire time she has lived at the Devon Apartments. To make matters worse, construction that began on February 20 is taking place right in front of his compound. He said having streets and sidewalks blocked off is annoying for anyone trying to use 12th St., whether they’re walking, driving or biking.
The good news is that the work between Western and Clay marks the latest phase of the 12th St project. The City expects construction to be finished by June 2023.
