Lawrence, KS, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The construction of the downtown bus station in Lawrence has been delayed to a new completion window of 2027-2028, largely due to the NEPA review process. Originally expected to be finished in 2026, the project will now feature enhanced user amenities, including individual bus bays and safety improvements. Funding for the $2.03 million project is primarily from federal grants and local transit sales tax. A temporary bus stop will be established during the construction to maintain accessibility. Residents will be kept informed through a dedicated website.
Lawrence, KS – Downtown Bus Station Construction Delayed to 2027-2028
The construction of the downtown bus station in Lawrence is now expected to be completed between 2027 and 2028, a shift from the original projection of the third quarter of 2026. This change is largely due to delays in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process and other timeline adjustments, as reported by city officials.
The new bus station will be situated at the northeast corner of Eighth and Vermont Streets, a location determined through recommendations from a steering committee and a subsequent vote from the city commission. The project is backed by a total budget of $2.03 million, with approximately $1.62 million funded through a federal grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. The remaining $406,000 will be financed by local transit sales tax funding, which received voter approval in 2017.
Due to the federal funding component, the project is subject to the NEPA review. The NEPA review is anticipated to be completed by the first or second quarter of 2026, though this timeline is subject to change based on the availability of the review team. This review is critical as the results will be made public and could lead to adjustments in traffic flow, accessibility, and safety standards around the bus station.
After the NEPA review is finalized, the city plans to solicit bids for architecture and engineering contractors to begin the project. In the meantime, a temporary bus stop will be established to ensure transportation services are accessible during the construction period, the exact location of which will be determined during the planning phase.
Lawrence Transit is set to kick off the design process for the bus station in 2026, incorporating public engagement opportunities to gather feedback and input from the community. Additionally, the capacity for staffing at the downtown station will be reassessed in light of the new completion date to align with the city’s budget outlook.
Once completed, the downtown bus station will include various amenities designed to enhance user experience and safety. Features will include driver restrooms, individual bus bays, seating with wind protection, an overhead canopy, and digital signage displaying departure times. Furthermore, a raised crosswalk will be implemented near the library parking garage to improve safety and support accessibility efforts.
The bus station’s location is strategically positioned across from the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County and in proximity to the Lawrence Public Library. Currently, Lawrence Transit operates five bus routes serving the downtown area, ensuring public transport is readily available.
From a security standpoint, personnel are expected to be on-site from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with the funding for these services coming from the transit department’s operational budget. The city has also set up a dedicated website to keep the public informed about milestones and updates regarding the downtown bus station project.
FAQ
What is the new expected completion date for the downtown bus station in Lawrence?
The downtown bus station is now expected to be completed between 2027 and 2028, delayed from the previously projected completion in the third quarter of 2026.
What is the budget for the downtown bus station project?
The total budget for the project is $2.03 million, with approximately $1.62 million coming from federal funding and the remainder sourced from local transit sales tax funding.
What features will the new bus station include?
The new bus station will feature driver restrooms, individual bus bays, seating with wind protection, an overhead canopy, digital signage, and a raised crosswalk for safety and accessibility.
How will the city keep residents informed about the project’s progress?
The city has established a website dedicated to providing updates and information regarding milestones related to the downtown bus station project.
Key Features of the Downtown Bus Station
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | $2.03 million |
| Projected Completion Date | 2027-2028 |
| Funding Sources | Federal grant ($1.62 million), local sales tax ($406,000) |
| Location | Northeast corner of Eighth and Vermont Streets |
| Main Features | Bus bays, digital signage, restroom facilities, seating area, overhead canopy, and raised crosswalk |
| Security | On-site personnel 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday |
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
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