From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Sept. 9, 1971:

• Road design plans had been completed for new U.S. 59 from 23rd Street south five miles to near Pleasant Grove. The 3.1 miles from 23rd Street to Shank Hill were to be constructed as a four-lane freeway. The southernmost 2.1 miles were to be built as a two-lane road, but right of way was to be purchased for eventual expansion to four lanes. Highway officials were estimating that it would take up to six months to purchase the necessary right of way and to implement the relocation assistance program for homes and businesses being affected.
• In recent actions, the Lawrence City Commission awarded a $44,111.45 contract to a Topeka firm for an asphalt overlay program for Lawrence streets. Commissioners also ordered rezoning of 23rd and Crestline for a planned development and at 15th and Kasold for two shopping centers, adopted the 1970 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, and passed an ordinance specifying several truck routes in the city.