Weekly Traffic Update: August 28, 2026
27th Street closure west of K-10 to begin week of August 31
Originally scheduled to begin Monday, August 3, City contractors will now close 27th Street west of K-10 the week of August 31 to construct a sanitary sewer in the area. The beginning of this project experienced delays due to weather delays and construction issues.
When construction is actively occurring, this work will impact access to the Youth Sports Complex and the Rotary Arboretum during businesses hours. Crews will reopen 27th Street by 5:00 p.m. at the end of every day to allow access for evening activities at the Youth Sports Complex. Additionally, the road will remain open when crews are not actively working in the area.
The City now anticipates this work to end mid-September, pending weather or other delays.
Additionally, the segment of the Lawrence Loop in the area will be closed during work. Detours signage will be in place directing loop users around the construction area during those closures. The City anticipates the Lawrence Loop closure and detour to remain in place until early October.
9th Street to officially reopen next week
The City is excited to announce that the 9th Street closure is almost over!
This week, the contractor installed new asphalt pavement between Illinois Street and Louisiana Street. Final action items for the Mississippi Street traffic signal will occur next week along with temporary pavement markings and other misc items. 9th Street will be officially opened the afternoon of Thursday, September 3, or the morning of Friday, September 4.
After 9th Street is reopened, work for the overall Jayhawk Watershed project will continue into fall. Other planned work on 9th Street includes:
- Miscellaneous pavement and sidewalk repairs east of Louisiana Street
- Mill and Overlay between Louisiana Street and Vermont Street
- Pavement marking and bike lane installation
- Traffic signal improvements at Tennessee Street and Kentucky Street
- Final touches to the pedestrian beacon at 9th and Louisiana Street.
The overall project is scheduled to be completed by March 2027. Other work remaining as part of the project includes:
- Permeable brick pavement installation on the 800 block of Louisiana Street.
- Curb replacement on the eastside of Tennessee Street between 6th and 8th Street
- Tennessee Street Mill and Overlay between 6th Street and 9th Street (to be completed by City Staff)
- Final OWL Traffic Circle installation on 8th Street at Indiana Street, Mississippi Street and Illinois Street
- Restoration of Watson Park
As storm sewer and grading work is completed in Watson Park, Parks, Recreation, and Culture staff will work with MSO design staff and other stakeholders to layout a new basketball court in Watson Park.
9th Street reopening celebration this Saturday, August 29
Community members are invited to celebrate the upcoming reopening of 9th Street and Owens Flower Shop’s 80th birthday with an evening of live music, food, drinks and family-friendly activities.
The celebration will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, on 9th Street between Indiana Street and Mississippi Street. Gates open at 6 p.m. The event will feature live music from Son Venezuela and Limestone, DJ Proof, food trucks, local vendors, face painting and more.
The event also celebrates the progress of the Jayhawk Watershed Project and the businesses, residents, City staff and project partners who have worked through the construction.
9th Street between Indiana Street and Mississippi Street will be closed for the event. Drivers should plan to use alternate routes in the area.
W 27th Street eastbound lane to close at Missouri Street for storm water work
Beginning Thursday, September 3, City contractors will close the eastbound lane of W 27th Street at Missouri Street to complete a storm water pipe installation that will cross W 27th Street.
This work is being performed as part of the active street maintenance work on W 27th Street. The westbound lane of W 27th Street is still closed for street maintenance work. A detour will be posted for this one-day eastbound lane closure.
The eastbound lane of W 27th Street will still be available from Iowa St to Missouri St and from Alabama Street to Louisiana Street. Local residential access will be maintained from Alabama Street for those residing off W 27th Street and Bardith Ct. between Missouri Street and Alabama Street.
The City anticipates the eastbound lane of W 27th Street will be reopened by end of day Thursday, September 3, pending weather or other delays.
Traffic Safety Moment | No phones in work zones and school zones
As of July 1, Kansas law prohibits handheld mobile device use while driving in active construction zones and school zones. Drivers will receive warning citations during the first year of the law, with fines beginning after June 30, 2027.
Work zones and school zones are places where drivers need to be especially alert. Put the phone down, use hands-free tools when needed, and keep your attention on the road.
Safer driving helps protect students, workers, pedestrians and everyone moving through the area.
To learn more about construction projects around the city and view the interactive map, visit: lawrenceks.gov/construction.
Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.gov
The Weekly Traffic Update is shared each week to help residents, businesses, visitors, commuters, and community partners plan ahead for road closures, construction impacts, and transportation-related work in Lawrence.
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