News Summary
The downtown bus station project in Lawrence has been delayed, with completion now tentatively scheduled for 2027 or 2028. Originally set for 2026, this shift results from hold-ups in the National Environmental Policy Act review. The project, costing $2.03 million, is primarily funded by a federal grant. As adjustments are made, public involvement in the design process is planned. The station will include features like digital signage and security measures, with a dedicated website to keep the community informed about progress.
Lawrence, Kansas – The completion of the downtown bus station in Lawrence, originally projected for the third quarter of 2026, has been pushed back to a tentative timeline of 2027 or 2028 due to delays in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and additional timeline adjustments. The station will be located at the northeast corner of Eighth and Vermont Streets, a site chosen based on steering committee recommendations and formal approval from the city commission.
The project carries a total budget of $2.03 million, with approximately $1.62 million being funded through a federal grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. The remaining $406,000 will come from local transit sales tax funds, the latter of which was approved by Lawrence voters in 2017.
The NEPA review, a requirement due to the project’s federal funding, is expected to wrap up by the first or second quarter of 2026. This schedule is, however, subject to change depending on the availability of the review team handling the process. Significant delays have already affected the initial timeline, as acknowledged by city officials.
Once the NEPA review concludes, the results will be made public and may lead to necessary adjustments in areas such as traffic flow, accessibility, or safety standards. Following this, the city will initiate the bidding process for architectural and engineering contractors to carry out the project.
During the anticipated construction period, a temporary bus stop will be established at a yet-to-be-determined location. Lawrence Transit plans to engage in the design process for the bus station in 2026, which will include opportunities for public involvement.
As budgetary evaluations continue, the city will re-assess the staffing capacity for the downtown station as the opening approaches. The design features of the station will include driver restrooms, individual bus bays, seating with wind protection, an overhead canopy, and digital signage to display departure times. Notably, a raised crosswalk will also be installed near the library parking garage to enhance safety and accessibility.
The chosen site for the bus station is strategically located across from the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County and is adjacent to the Lawrence Public Library. Currently, five bus routes operated by Lawrence Transit serve the downtown area.
Security measures have also been planned for the new station, with personnel scheduled to be on-site from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Funding for security will be provided from the operational budget of the transit department.
To keep the community informed about the progress and milestones associated with the downtown bus station project, the city has established a dedicated website. This will serve as a resource for residents who wish to stay updated on any developments and changes related to the project.
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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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