News Summary
The construction of Lawrence’s downtown bus station has been postponed to 2027 or 2028 due to the ongoing NEPA review and other adjustments. Located at Eighth and Vermont Streets, the $2.03 million project is partially funded by federal grants. Community input will be sought in the design process, and interim measures are being planned, including a temporary bus stop. The new station will feature passenger-friendly amenities and enhanced safety measures.
Lawrence, Kansas: Downtown Bus Station Construction Delayed to 2027-2028
The construction of Lawrence’s downtown bus station, initially slated for completion in the third quarter of 2026, has been postponed to a tentative timeline of 2027 or 2028. The delay is primarily due to the ongoing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and other timeline adjustments, according to city officials.
The new bus station will be situated at the northeast corner of Eighth and Vermont Streets. This site was selected based on recommendations from a steering committee and confirmed by a city commission vote.
The total budget for the bus station project is $2.03 million, with around $1.62 million funded through a federal grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. The remaining $406,000 will come from local transit sales tax funding, which received voter approval in 2017.
NEPA Review Status
Because the project is partially federally funded, it is subject to the NEPA review process. This review is expected to be completed by the first or second quarter of 2026, although the timeline remains flexible depending on the review team’s availability. Delays in the NEPA review could further affect the project schedule.
Once the review is complete, the outcomes will be made public and could result in necessary adjustments related to traffic flow, accessibility, or safety standards. Following the conclusion of the NEPA review, the city plans to move forward with bidding for architectural and engineering contractors.
Interim Measures and Future Planning
In anticipation of the construction period, which may last several months, a temporary bus stop will be established. The exact location for this stop is currently under consideration. Lawrence Transit plans to initiate the design process for the new bus station in 2026, incorporating opportunities for public engagement to gather community input.
As the project’s timeline progresses and the city reevaluates its budget outlook, the capacity for staffing the downtown station will also be reassessed in light of the new opening date.
Features of the New Bus Station
The planned bus station will boast several passenger-friendly features, including driver restrooms, individual bus bays, sheltered seating with wind protection, an overhead canopy, and digital signage to display departure times. Additionally, a raised crosswalk will be installed near the library parking garage to enhance safety and accessibility for both pedestrians and transit users.
The station’s location is particularly advantageous, situated across from the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County and near the Lawrence Public Library. Currently, Lawrence Transit operates five bus routes that serve the downtown area.
Security and Community Involvement
To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, security personnel are expected to be stationed on-site from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Funding for security operations will be sourced from the transit department’s operational budget.
The city of Lawrence has developed a dedicated website to keep residents informed about significant milestones and updates regarding the downtown bus station project. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and foster community involvement throughout the construction period.
As updates continue to unfold, stakeholders and community members are encouraged to stay informed to understand the implications of the timeline changes and the benefits of this long-awaited transportation facility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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