Michigan Street was an open-ditch, narrow (18 to 20 feet wide), asphalt street prior to improvements. Landplan Engineering was retained by the City of Lawrence in Spring 1999 to design street, stormwater and water main improvements for this street.

Three street sections were evaluated and presented to the neighborhood and City. Landplan Engineering recommended a 31-foot street section with sidewalk on one side only as it provided a wider street for vehicular and bicycle traffic to share. This alternative also allowed the improvement to be constructed within the existing 60-foot right-of-way without acquiring additional right-of-way or removing any existing garage structures.

Other key project considerations included:

• Modification of the existing grade line to reduce steep grades.
• A 66-inch RCP enclosed storm sewer system to eliminate flooding of three properties.
• Total tear-out and replacement of the pavement and subgrade.
• Design of a traffic circle.

Construction was completed on time and within City budget by early Spring 2001.