History

The Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Office was officially created in 1982 after the population of Lawrence reached 52,738 people in 1980. Federal law mandates that any city or community with a population over 50,000 people officially be designated as an Urbanized Area, and they must develop an MPO to handle transportation related functions. With a population over 80,000 today and 100,000 in the county, the need for transportation planning in a variety of modes continues to grow.

Throughout the years, the needs of the transportation system have changed with the times and the community. Some of the major milestones are listed below.

Major Milestones in Lawrence Transportation History*

*Note: This section is still in development. It is hoped that more information, including a pictorial chronology will be developed soon.

1854 - Lawrence is founded

1929 - Lawrence Airport is opened

1955 - Kansas Turnpike opens for regular service

1981 - New Kansas Highway 10 is opened - a four-lane, limited access freeway from Lawrence to Southern Kansas City

1995 - Bicycle Advisory Committee is established

2000 - Lawrence Transit System begins regular service

Transportation Archives

Transportation in Lawrence has long been studied. The sources below include both suggested locations, works and papers which the department has sponsored which involve transportation in some way, shape or form.

• Comprehensive Plan* (1930 - Hare & Hare)
• Comprehensive Plan* (1945 - Hare & Hare)
• 1964 Comprehensive Plan*
• 1971 Lawrence Area Transportation Study*
• Plan 95*
• South Lawrence Trafficway Land Use Study* (1989 - LDCMPO)
• Public Transportation Alternative Study* (1993 - Deshazio, Stark & Tang)
• Transportation 2020 (1995 - LDCMPO)
• A Public Transportation Narrative* (1997 - Walt Michener & LDCMPO)
• A Plan to Facilitate Public Transportation Alternatives* (1998 - Chance & Associates) 

* Available only in the Planning Office

Additional Historical Resources for Transportation in Lawrence include:

Watkins Community Museum
1047 Massachusetts
Phone: (785) 841-4109

Kansas Collection
Kenneth Spencer Research Library
The University of Kansas
Phone: (785) 864-4334

Lawrence Public Library
707 Vermont
Phone: (785) 843-3833