Work is progressing on the newest section of the Lawrence Loop. The new trail segment begins at Peterson Park and continues east to Michigan Street. Peterson Park is located at the intersection of Peterson Road and North Iowa Street.

A concrete paver machine in now in place in Peterson Park. Work is underway north of the Hallmark plant on a water line. The east part of the trail going to Michigan Street is progressing.

A pedestrian-activated beacon will provide safe crossing at North Iowa Street. The trail will go north of the Hallmark production facility. It will feature a tunnel under McDonald Drive north of the Turnpike access terminals. The trail will continue east from McDonald Drive to North Michigan Street.

Construction of the new segment began in February and is expected to be completed in August. A second half mile is slated to be added in 2023. It will connect the Michigan Street section to Sandra Shaw Park.

The project is 80% funded through a Federal Transportation Alternatives grant. When this new section is completed, 19 miles of the eventual 22 mile Lawrence Loop will be complete.

The Lawrence Loop is a paved 10-foot wide shared use path the City of Lawrence began constructing more than 20 years ago. The Loop accommodates residents and visitors of all ages and abilities who walk, run, bike or wheel the trail.