News Summary
The construction of the downtown bus station in Lawrence has been postponed until 2027 or 2028 due to necessary NEPA reviews and timeline adjustments. Originally slated for completion in 2026, the project’s budget is $2.03 million, largely funded by a federal grant. The city will engage the public during the design phase starting in 2026. The plan includes safety and accessibility enhancements, along with a temporary bus stop during construction. City officials aim to keep the community informed and involved as the project progresses.
Lawrence’s Downtown Bus Station Construction Delayed to 2027-2028 Due to NEPA Review and Timeline Adjustments
The construction of the downtown bus station in Lawrence, originally slated for completion in the third quarter of 2026, has now been tentatively pushed back to 2027 or 2028. This delay has been attributed to necessary reviews and adjustments related to the project’s timeline.
The bus station is set to be constructed at the northeast corner of Eighth and Vermont Streets, a location determined based on recommendations from a steering committee and a vote by the city commission. The total budget for the project stands at $2.03 million, with approximately $1.62 million coming from a federal grant provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation. The remaining $406,000 is funded through local transit sales tax, approved by voters in 2017.
Since the project includes partial federal funding, it falls under the regulations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This review is expected to conclude in the first or second quarter of 2026, though the completion schedule may be flexible depending on the availability of the review team. City officials have reported significant delays impacting the project’s progress and timeline.
Results from the NEPA review will be publicly disclosed and may result in modifications concerning traffic flow, accessibility, or safety standards at the planned station. Following the completion of this review, the city will move forward with the bidding process for architecture and engineering contractors.
Interim Arrangements and Design Plans
During the construction phase, a temporary bus stop will be installed, with its specific location to be decided during the project timeline. Lawrence Transit is projected to commence the design phase of the bus station in 2026, which will include opportunities for public engagement.
As the opening date approaches, city officials will re-evaluate staffing capabilities at the new downtown station, considering the current budget outlook and ongoing delays. The station is designed to feature driver restrooms, individual bus bays, seating with wind protection, an overhead canopy, and electronic signage that displays departure times.
Safety and Accessibility Features
As part of the comprehensive safety and accessibility improvements associated with the project, a raised crosswalk will be constructed near the library parking garage. The station’s location is advantageous, situated directly across from the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County and in close proximity to the Lawrence Public Library.
Lawrence Transit currently offers services to downtown through five different bus routes. Additionally, it is planned that security personnel will be present on-site from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with these costs being covered by the transit department’s operational budget.
To keep the public informed about the downtown station project, the city has established a website where updates and project milestones will be regularly communicated. This effort is aimed at ensuring transparency and community involvement as the project progresses.
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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
