The Wichita City Council has approved $4.77 million in improvements for Douglas Avenue, east of downtown.
The project will convert that section of Douglas between Washington and Grove to a three-lane roadway, with on-street bicycle lanes and curb extensions to shorten pedestrian crossing distances. Parking and crosswalks near I-135 and Wichita East High School will be upgraded, including dedicated space for buses.
The city says similar projects in town, including Douglas west of Rock Road and Lincoln between Woodlawn and Rock, have reduced crashes, calmed traffic and improved pedestrian safety.
Additional improvements will include lighting, landscape beds, bike racks, trash receptacles and street furniture.
A six-month pilot project will begin in Spring 2026. Construction will start in 2027 and be completed in 2028.
The proposal passed on a 6-1 vote, with Mayor Lily Wu casting the lone 'no' vote. She said streets with pressing needs should be addressed first.