*UPDATE – September 25*
The contractor couldn’t put in the sidewalk and ramp panels by 11 AM for dismissal today.
- Students walking home will need to take Kentucky St, then head to 20th St to reach Massachusetts St or go south of Cordley.
- The sidewalk and ramps at 19th and Vermont will be ready for use tomorrow morning.
- There was some confusion this morning because the contractor didn’t use the right signs to show the sidewalk was closed.
On Friday, 9/27, the panels near the playground on Vermont St will be replaced, so the sidewalk between 18th and 19th will be closed for the day. Students should use 18th St to get to Cordley from Kentucky St, and signs will be put up to show the closure.
Once this work is done on Friday, the project will be complete, and all routes to Cordley will be open as normal starting Monday, 9/30.
The City of Lawrence understands the impacts that the ongoing construction near Cordley Elementary School has created, and we want to keep you informed about the project’s progress and how it will continue to affect travel to and from the school.
Quick Links
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) – Updated September 17
- Recommended Travel Routes
- Sign-Up for Traffic and Construction Updates
- Walk/Bike Travel Map (PDF) and Vehicle Travel Map (PDF)
I see construction near Cordley Elementary. What’s going on?
The project near Cordley Elementary School is a combination of two projects: A road maintenance and an ADA pedestrian (or, people who walk, roll, or bike to school) improvement project.
For this project, we have to reconstruct Vermont Street and replace the sidewalks to ensure ADA compliance. Originally, two separate projects were planned, but they were combined to minimize disruptions and improve efficiency.
Why has the construction been extended?
Our original end date was set for August 20, but the construction team discovered that the material under the ground in the construction area was worse than they anticipated. On top of that, the City added more construction phases to better fit the needs of Cordley Elementary staff.
With both of these updates, the project timeline has been extended through September 24, and we’re hopeful the weather won’t hold the project back!
Are there impacts to drop-off and pick-up? What about if I walk/ride a bike to school?
Drivers should approach the school from 18th Street and Kentucky Street, traveling east to Vermont Street , and then turning south to drop-off and pick-up students. Please do not use the northbound side of Vermont St.
Our friends who walk and bike should approach Cordley Elementary either:
- From the North – Travel along Kentucky Street to 18th Street and use that crosswalk to cross towards Cordley
- From the South – Travel along 19th Street to Vermont Street and use the normal crosswalk to go north towards Cordley
A Cordley Elementary staff member or crossing guard will be stationed at 18th Street and Kentucky Street as well as at 19th Street and Vermont Street.
When will the roads and sidewalks reopen?
We are working hard to finish up these important improvements and make getting to school easier and safer! Currently, the west side of the1800 block of Vermont Street is now open!
We are now working on the west side of the 1700 block of Vermont Street, including the southbound lane and the sidewalk.
Drivers will be able to resume the standard routes for drop-off and pick-up beginning on Wednesday, September 25.
How will you let us know if the construction schedule changes again?
We completely understand that changes in the construction schedule can create challenges for pickups and drop-offs!
The City of Lawrence is closely coordinating with Cordley staff to keep parents informed of any further changes to the construction timeline. We will provide updates through emails and social posts from Cordley Elementary, so please stay tuned for any new information!
Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Yes! Please be aware that the construction project is being carefully coordinated with Cordley Elementary to minimize disruption as much as possible.
There have been some unexpected challenges, such as the poor condition of the ground and material on Vermont Street and the coordination with other ongoing projects like Cordley’s reroofing. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these issues! 😄
Who can I talk to if I have questions or concerns?
City of Lawrence Municipal Services & Operations (MSO) Department
Phone: (785) 760-7264 Email: aparker@lawrenceks.org
Cordley Elementary School Office
Phone: (785) 832-5640