Massachusetts Street reconfiguration construction completed, 600-1000 blocks reopened to traffic

Kevin PowellCity, Construction, Municipal Services and Operations

City crews have completed the work associated with the recently-approved Downtown Reconfiguration Plan and the 600 through 1000 blocks of Massachusetts Street have reopened to traffic.

The reconfiguration plan, which was developed by Gould-Evans and Downtown Lawrence Inc., was created to allow businesses additional space for retail and dining activities outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses interested in utilizing the opportunity should visit lawrenceks.org/downtown-reconfiguration.

The reconfiguration work included street patching, signing, pavement marking and rubber curb installation. The original reconfiguration plan allowed for 126 parking spaces on Massachusetts Street, but revisions were made to add 37 spaces, bringing the total number to 163. Additionally, there is an area at the end of each block that could be restored if not utilized for business activity.

The City Commission will revisit the reconfiguration plan at the City Commission meeting on August 4 to determine if the plan is viable and should continue to run through the original end date of October 31.

Contact: Josh Carson, Public Information Officer, Municipal Services & Operations – jcarson@lawrenceks.org | 785-832-7822