News Summary
The construction of the downtown bus station in Lawrence has faced delays, now expected to complete by 2027 or 2028. This shift follows the NEPA review process required for federal funding. The project will provide essential features for transit users and includes significant community engagement during the design phase.
Lawrence – The construction of the downtown bus station in Lawrence has been delayed and is now tentatively scheduled for completion in 2027 or 2028, moving from its original anticipated finish in the third quarter of 2026. This shift in timeline arises from necessary compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, which is a requirement due to the federal funding involved in the project.
The new bus station is set to be located at the northeast corner of Eighth and Vermont Streets, a decision made following recommendations from a steering committee and a vote by the Lawrence city commission. The total budget allocated for the station’s construction is $2.03 million, with $1.62 million sourced from a federal grant provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation. The rest of the funding, amounting to $406,000, is derived from local transit sales tax, which was approved by voters in 2017.
City officials have noted that there have been significant delays affecting the overall timeline and progress of the project. The NEPA review is projected to be completed by the first or second quarter of 2026; however, this timeframe may fluctuate based on the availability of the review team. As part of this review, the results will be made public and could potentially result in adjustments concerning traffic flow, accessibility, or safety standards.
Once the NEPA review is finalized, the city will be able to invite bids for the architectural and engineering contracts necessary for the project. Meanwhile, to accommodate transit needs during construction, a temporary bus stop will be established, although the specific location will be determined as planning progresses.
Lawrence Transit is expected to begin the design process for the bus station in 2026, which will include opportunities for public engagement to ensure community input in the planning phase. Additionally, as the opening date approaches, the city plans to re-evaluate the capacity for staffing the downtown station, taking into account the updated city budget outlook and any delays.
The bus station will offer a range of features, including driver restrooms, individual bus bays, seating with wind protection, an overhead canopy, and digital signage displaying real-time departure times. To enhance public safety and accessibility in the area, a raised crosswalk will also be installed near the library parking garage.
Additionally, the station’s location is strategically chosen near the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County and the Lawrence Public Library, providing crucial access to key community resources. Currently, Lawrence Transit operates five bus routes serving the downtown area, ensuring consistent transit options for residents and visitors. Security personnel will be present on-site from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with funding for these services allocated from the transit department’s operational budget.
To keep the public informed about developments regarding the downtown bus station project, the city has set up a dedicated website to provide timely updates and milestones.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lawrence Times: Downtown Transit Hub Construction Delayed
- KCTV5: Lawrence Picks Location for Downtown Bus Station
- LJ World: Downtown Bus Station Faces Speed Bump
- The Kansan: Are Lawrence Buses Accessible Enough?
- KCTV5: Lawrence Bus Route Schedule Changes Take Effect
- Wikipedia: Public Transport
- Google Search: Lawrence Transit
- Google Scholar: Lawrence Transit System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Google News: Lawrence Transit Updates
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
