The George Williams Way project, located north of 6th Street in northwest Lawrence, provides street, storm sewer, waterline, and sanitary sewer improvements for an evolving commercial area and the University of Kansas’s Rock Chalk Park. The roadway provides access to current and future businesses located between K-10 and George Williams Way.

After a thorough proposal process, BG Consultants was commissioned to design approximately one-half mile of new urban roadway between Sixth Street (Highway 40) and Rock Chalk Drive. The roadway includes a seven lane section at the 6th Street intersection, narrowing to a five lane section at Overland Drive. At the Overland Drive intersection the roadway narrows further, with a three lane northern section tapering to two lanes. A sidewalk and shared-use recreation path parallels the roadway. Specific elements of the design included drainage structures, cross sections, a two-way left turn lane, horizontal and vertical curvature, pavement design, and ADA compliance.

An erosion control plan was developed to prevent stormwater pollution. Storm drainage was designed in accordance with current City stormwater management criteria. A 12” waterline that extends the length of the roadway was included in the design. BG’s team carefully factored the area’s projected growth into the design.