photo by: City of Lawrence

A City of Lawrence map of the Lawrence Loop, a paved pedestrian path encircling the city, shows recently completed segments and segments planned for the next five years. The existing path is in green.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has agreed to provide the City of Lawrence $1.5 million for the Iowa Street Crossing project, which is part of the Lawrence Loop.

The KDOT funds will provide 50% of construction costs, and the city will provide the other half, according to a news release Tuesday from the city.

The Iowa Street Crossing is at the southern end of Iowa Street where it intersects under Kansas Highway 10. Improving this crossing is part of the city’s efforts to implement the Lawrence Bikes Plan Priority Network, which improves comfort for people walking and wheeling throughout the community, the release said.

The project will include a grade-separated crossing, likely meaning either a bridge or tunnel. Concepts are being developed and will be fully vetted in the design phase, the city said.

Work will be completed as part of KDOT’s South Lawrence Trafficway project, which will begin in June 2024. It is not yet known when construction for the Iowa Street Crossing will begin.

In addition to construction costs, KDOT has agreed to fund the design of the project, which is an additional $248,000.

To learn more about the Lawrence Loop, visit lawrenceks.org/loop.