Lawrence city crews repair the intersection of 10th and New Jersey streets on Wednesday, in preparation for a mural to be painted there.

City workers removed and patched damaged pavement at the intersection of 10th and New Jersey streets on Wednesday to prepare for an on-street mural that will be painted April 23.

The street repair was part of an agreement the Lawrence City Commission passed Tuesday when commissioners approved the mural. Workers will later go in and add new crosswalk markings.

Mark Thiel, the city’s assistant public works director, said the maintenance, which needed to happen anyway, was pushed up so as to not damage the mural later.

The artists behind the project will be responsible for maintaining and repairing the mural as long as it’s on the street, which is estimated to be at least two years.

A “painting party,” with live music, food and activities, is scheduled for April 23 and open to the public. In case of rain, a backup date is planned for April 30.