January 14, 2025
The City of Lawrence is excited to announce a transformative reconstruction project for Iowa Street, spanning from 23rd Street to Irving Hill Road. This highly anticipated project is set to begin at the end of January 2025 and will deliver essential infrastructure upgrades, ensuring a safer, more accessible, and modern corridor for all residents and travelers.
What to Expect
The Iowa Street project includes a host of improvements designed to enhance functionality and connectivity, including:
- Rebuilt Roadway: New concrete pavement, curb, and gutter for a smoother, more durable driving experience.
- Multimodal Enhancements: A new sidewalk on the east side of Iowa Street between 19th Street and Irving Hill Road, and a shared-use path replacing the existing sidewalk on the west side, providing safe and convenient options for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Utility and Drainage Upgrades: Replacement of aging waterlines and installation of improved storm sewer infrastructure to enhance drainage and reliability.
- Modern Lighting: Updated streetlights with underground power to improve safety and visibility.
Traffic Impacts and Timeline
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, pending weather or other delays. To minimize disruption, the City will maintain at least one travel lane in each direction at all times. However, residents should anticipate temporary lane closures and sidewalk detours throughout the project. Pedestrian detours will be clearly marked to ensure continued access for all.
A Collaborative Effort
This project represents a significant investment in our community, made possible through partnerships with KDOT, KU/KU Endowment, and local businesses. It has been carefully designed to meet the highest standards and accommodate the needs of all stakeholders.
“We fully understand the importance of Iowa Street as a vital corridor for our community,” said Aaron Parker, Senior Project Engineer. “These improvements are critical for maintaining the safety and efficiency of our infrastructure, and we are so thankful for the patience and understanding of our residents as we bring this vision to life.”
Stay Informed
The City will provide regular updates on the project’s progress, including any changes to traffic patterns, through social media posts and our project webpage, lawrenceks.org/mso/iowa-street. To get the latest traffic updates and closures sent to your inbox, click here or visit lawrenceks.org/subscriptions to sign up for our Weekly Traffic Updates.
We thank our residents for their cooperation and support during this important project and look forward to unveiling the many benefits these upgrades will bring to the Lawrence community.
Media Contact: Michael Leos, Communication and Community Engagement Specialist
City of Lawrence
mleos@lawrenceks.org
About the City of Lawrence
The City of Lawrence supports an unmistakably vibrant community with innovative, equitable, transparent and responsible local government. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can enjoy life and feel at home.