photo by: Elvyn Jones

Lawrence police officers block entry to the underpass on North Second Street about 3:45 p.m. Friday after an afternoon storm dropped 2.75 inches of rain.

UPDATE: The story has been updated to reflect a new projection for when the North Second Street and North Third Street closure will end.

Multiple construction projects that start this week in Lawrence will cause street closures in the area for at least a couple of months.

Street pavement maintenance on North Second Street and North Third Street in North Lawrence will reduce the street to two lanes from the railroad overpass to the I-70 entrance. Lincoln St. will be closed to through traffic at North Second Street, and a detour will be provided.

The city anticipates this project to end November 2024, depending on weather or other delays.

Also this week, city workers will close 11th Street to through traffic between Connecticut Street and Delaware Street and will fully close 11th Street at New York Street to complete storm sewer work in the area.

Michael Leos, the communication and community engagement specialist for the Municipal Services and Operations department in Lawrence, said the city will put in a new storm sewer as part of the NY Water Transmission Main Replacement project. Leos said it should address water pooling at that intersection.

City officials predict the road could be reopened by Sept. 13.

In addition, one eastbound lane of 23rd Street, from west of Louisiana Street (at the entrance to Dunkin’ Donuts) to just east of Louisiana Street (at the entrance to Checkers), has been closed by contractors for WANRack to install fiber optic cable. The lanes are only closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the closure is expected to end Friday.