Project Overview
The Massachusetts St. Multimodal Improvements Study seeks to develop new multimodal infrastructure along Massachusetts St. from 14th St. to 23rd St. Multimodal refers to all types of modes or transportation – including walking, biking, driving, or riding transit. These improvements will be implemented through engagement with stakeholders and engineering analyses with an emphasis on safety.
Project Details
This project will bring a host of new improvements that will enhance safety for all travelers in the area.
These improvements include (but are not limited to):
- Reconfigure 4-lane road to 3-lanes with on-street physically-protected bike lanes
- Infill and reconstruct sidewalk and ADA ramps
- Preserve street trees with no widening of Mass St
- Protected intersection at 19th St and Mass St
- Replace traffic signal at 17th Street intersection with HAWK signal
- Remove WB high-speed right turn lane at 23rd St and Mass St
- Provide two mid-block crossings with RRFBs and refuge islands
- Improve bus stops with floating passenger load/unload islands
Project Timeline –
The following project timeline is tentative and may change as the project proceeds. Any significant updates to this timeline will be reflected below.
- Public Open House #1 | October 2023
- Concept Development | October 2023 to January 2024
- Public Open House #2 | February 2024
- Concept Refinement | January 2024 to March 2024
- Public Open House #3 | March 2024
- Concept Approval | April 2024
- Final Design Direction | December 2024
- Grant Acquisition | 2024 – 2026
- Design | 2025 – 2026
- Construction | Fall 2026 – 2027
Design Considerations
During the design phase, the project team is tasked with weighing various constraints, including aspects like existing curb-to-curb width, locations of driveways, and public infrastructure needs.
Below are some of these design considerations:
Road Reconfiguration: 4-Lane to 3-Lane Conversion
A roadway reconfiguration can improve safety, calm traffic, provide better mobility and access for all road users, and enhance overall quality of life. A road reconfiguration typically involves converting an existing four-lane undivided roadway, like Massachusetts Street, to a three-lane roadway consisting of two through lanes and a center two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL).
Safety benefits of a potential road reconfiguration include:
- Reduction of rear-end and left-turn crashes due to the dedicated left turn lane.
- Reduced right-angle crashes as side street motorists cross three versus four travel lanes.
- Shorter distances for pedestrians to cross traffic.
- Opportunity to install pedestrian refuge islands, bicycle lanes, on-street parking, and transit stops.
- Traffic calming and more consistent speeds.
- A more community-focused, Complete Streets environment that better accommodates the needs of all road uses.
The final approved Design Study is located here: Mass. St. Approved Design Study (PDF)
Design Adjustment: August 2025
Originally, the project team was proceeding with a design that would have solid waste collected from the bike lane median zone on Mass St. As of August 2025, the design now intends for solid waste to be collected behind the curb.
View an engineering diagram of the planned road profile for Mass. St.: Mass St. Planned Road Profile (PDF)
Community Engagement
The project team has engaged the community throughout the concept design stages. Visit our Mass. St. Multimodal Community Engagement page to view photos, presentations, feedback surveys and results, and the final concept designs approved by the City Commission.
Below is a brief overview of past engagement activities for the project:
- Open House – Liberty Memorial Central Middle School (Library) – March 31, 2026 – 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Community Presentation – Liberty Memorial Central Middle School (Library) – May 22, 2024 – 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Open House – Liberty Memorial Central Middle School (Library) – March 27, 2024 – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Mass St. Multimodal Improvements Online Comment Form #2 [CLOSED] – February 7, 2024
- Open House – Liberty Memorial Central Middle School (Library) – February 7, 2024 – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Mass St. Multimodal Improvements Online Survey [CLOSED] – October 25 – November 8
- Open House – Liberty Memorial Central Middle School (Library) – October 25, 2023 – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Project Updates
The City will provide regular updates on the project’s progress on this webpage. To stay up to date with the latest traffic updates and closures, click here or visit lawrenceks.gov/subscriptions to sign up for our Weekly Traffic Updates.
Contact
Aaron Parker, Project Manager — aparker@lawrenceks.gov
