photo by: Bremen Keasey

The intersection of 19th and Vermont Street in Lawrence, which is currently partially closed to westbound traffic. A portion of 19th Street from Massachusetts Street to Kentucky Street will be closed for a water main project, with the city expecting it will re-open mid-August.

A portion of 19th Street right near a couple Lawrence schools will be fully closed Wednesday to finish a water main replacement project.

The City of Lawrence announced that 19th Street will be fully closed starting Wednesday, July 23, between Massachusetts Street and Kentucky Street to complete the replacement and abandonment of the old water main in the area. The westbound lane of that portion of 19th Street had been closed to traffic.

That portion of the street, which is adjacent to Cordley Elementary School and a few blocks east of Lawrence High School, is expected to last through mid-August, weather permitting. The first day of school for Lawrence Public Schools is Aug. 13.

In a Facebook post on Friday, the city said it knows closures “can be frustrating.” but the work is essential to “prevent future disruptions” and “ensure reliable water service for years to come.”

Michael Leos, a spokesperson for the city’s Municipal Services and Operations department, said the detours will route westbound 19th Street traffic to 23rd Street and Naismith Drive and eastbound traffic will be directed to Kentucky Street and 11th Street.

A portion of 19th Street in eastern Lawrence will be re-opened to traffic later this week. A portion of the road east of Haskell Avenue is closed due to work on a project to improve stormwater, sanitary and water main systems in the area.

Leos said that closed part of the road will reopen Friday for the Douglas County Fair happening later in the week. 19th Street will once again close in early August east of Haskell Avenue after the fair and remain closed through next summer. Leos noted the project is ahead of schedule, so it could reopen sooner than anticipated.

Douglas County also closed portions of one of its roads this week due to road work. Route 460 was closed Monday about two miles east of U.S. Highway 59 as crews begin replacing culverts at three locations between East 1400 Road and East 1500 Road.

As the Journal-World reported, that portion will be closed to all traffic, but access to nearby properties will be maintained. It is expected the project will take about four weeks to finish, according to the county.