photo by: Sylas May/Journal-World

A flashing warning signal that will alert drivers to high water in the underpass in North Lawrence is pictured on April 14, 2026.

North Lawrence’s underpass will soon have a warning system to alert drivers when it floods during heavy rains, city staff told the Journal-World on Tuesday.

Shane Golden of the city’s Municipal Services and Operations Division said that work was underway Tuesday on the warning system, which will use a combination of sensors, signs and flashing lights.

“If water gets to a certain level, it’s supposed to kick the signals in to flash, activate some signs that tell you not to drive through there,” Golden said.

During rainstorms, the underpass on North Second Street sometimes floods and even has to be closed at times, requiring traffic to divert east to residential areas.

The system will work in two stages, Golden said. In the first stage, sensors will detect if there’s water backing up in the underpass, and signs that say “Watch for water on road” will light up.

“Just to kind of let people know, hey, our catch basins are starting to back up a little bit. They’re not flooding yet, but just kind of keep an eye on it,” Golden said.

At around 4 to 6 inches of water on the road, he said, the signals at Locust and Lyon streets will start flashing to warn drivers of the danger.

Golden said he hoped the warning system would be in operation within the next three weeks.

photo by: Sylas May/Journal-World

The North Lawrence underpass is pictured Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

photo by: Sylas May/Journal-World

The North Lawrence underpass is partially closed for improvements on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.