Lawrence drivers are finally seeing the end of a long-running infrastructure project, as Iowa Street prepares for its full reopening after nearly a year of construction. On Thursday, motorists noticed all four lanes open near 19th and Iowa — a sign that the reconstruction effort is entering its final phase.
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City spokesperson Maureen Brady said crews are down to the last essential tasks, including finishing road markings. Striping work is expected to continue through Friday and potentially into early next week, depending on weather and scheduling.
“We’ll also have a few more permanent signs installed next week, which will temporarily close one of the outer lanes of traffic for one day,” Brady said via email.
The installation of permanent signage marks the final step before the road officially returns to full operation. Brady noted that once all remaining tasks are complete, “the city will make an official announcement next week.”
The Iowa Street project was launched in January with the goal of fully rebuilding a heavily traveled corridor and modernizing associated infrastructure. According to a city traffic update released last week, the work “included improvements like a rebuilt roadway, new sidewalks, new streetlights, and new waterlines and storm sewer infrastructure.”
The project represents one of Lawrence’s most substantial street upgrades in recent years, improving mobility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians while strengthening the underground utility network.
The reopening will come as welcome news to residents and local businesses who have navigated months of detours, lane reductions, and construction slowdowns. For neighborhoods along the corridor, the upgraded sidewalks and lighting are expected to bring added safety and accessibility.
City officials say the improvements will also help manage future traffic capacity as Lawrence continues to grow, particularly near major intersections and entrances to the University of Kansas.
Once the city announces project completion next week, the corridor will resume full functionality with all lanes open and new infrastructure in place. Residents can continue tracking local construction updates through the city’s website at lawrenceks.org/construction, which includes an interactive map showing all ongoing projects.
The Iowa Street reconstruction is one of several major infrastructure efforts currently underway in Lawrence, including work on Bob Billings Parkway, 9th Street, and multiple stormwater upgrades across the city.
Originally reported by Wulfe in The Lawrence Times.
