Lawrence Transit has delayed the opening the new Central Station at Bob Billings and Crestline, as well as the introduction of redesigned routes to better align with the new facility. The station and the redesigned routes were initially planned to be open in August and, now, the projects have an expected completion date of Jan. 2, 2024.
Several factors led to the delay, including supply chain issues with materials, unexpected utility relocations and staffing changes in the groups working on the project.
“We are so excited to bring this major improvement to bus riders in Lawrence,” said Adam Weigel, transit and parking manager at Lawrence Transit. “As the project has progressed, it became evident if we want to launch this new facility and service correctly, we need more time. We apologize to our riders who are inconvenienced by this delay, and we know the end result will be worth the wait.”
Central Station will have eight covered bays for Lawrence Transit buses, as well as bays for the K-10 Connector and Greyhound services. Amenities will include public restrooms, an indoor waiting area, bike racks and bike lockers and digital signs with bus arrival information. Bus drivers will have access to improved features, including restrooms and a breakroom. Lawrence Transit worked with an artist to produce several works of blown glass art that will be incorporated into the site.
Lawrence Transit has been operating at 7th and Vermont as a temporary hub since 2013. When Central Station opens, seven routes will serve the new facility, and five bus routes will continue to serve downtown. A future public process will determine whether the transfer location for those buses remains at 7th and Vermont or another downtown location.
