Congratulations to the city’s public works department and its contractor for completing work at the 19th and Louisiana intersection well ahead of the opening of school.

Some rainy days put the Aug. 4 completion date somewhat in doubt, but by working on some weekends, the contractor was able to get the intersection open on schedule this week.

Everyone was aware that having this intersection closed when students headed back to Lawrence High School later this month would be a traffic nightmare. With that in mind, the contract was written so that the contractor would face penalties if the job wasn’t completed on time. A little incentive never hurts.

Now, motorists in that area will have the advantage of new left-turn lanes and traffic signals with video equipment designed to detect traffic backups in the area.

Although some street projects seem to be dragging, the city is on a roll with major projects, bringing the rebuilt Kasold Drive on line ahead of schedule last year and getting 19th and Louisiana done on time. Here’s hoping that major projects on the Kansas University campus and the Kansas Turnpike fare as well.