Public Works
Public Works
The Public Works Department maintains 224 miles of County roads, 158 bridges, 1,100 culverts, Lone Star Lake and seven County park sites.
The Operations Division provides road and bridge maintenance, road signage, roadside mowing and vegetation control, snow and ice removal, and park maintenance. The Operations Division also performs fleet maintenance for all County vehicles. The Engineering Division provides design, surveying, construction contracting and inspection, and permitting of work within road rights-of-way.
Current Road Closings
This interactive map shows road closures on county and township roads. Updates on unplanned road closures are... , read more via the link below
View the Interactive Map
Entrance Permits
Get information about entrances and access management, including maps, regulations and applications for... , read more via the link below
More About Entrance Permits
County Parks
Douglas County Public Works helps to maintain several lakes and parks, including observation points, historic... , read more via the link below
More About County Parks
Documents and Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Douglas County manage the Household Hazardous Waste Facility?
Household Hazardous Waste is handled by the City of Lawrence.
Has my property been surveyed?
Maybe. If your property has been surveyed and the resulting plat of survey was recorded then it is probably on file in the office of the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department located at 3755 East 25th Street, Lawrence, KS. It is possible the survey may have been recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds.
How do I Adopt-a-Highway?
Douglas County does have a program that allows civic organizations the opportunity to Adopt-a-Highway. Requests are made to the Public Works Department, 3755 East 25th Street, Lawrence, KS 66046. If you have any questions you may call the Public Works Department by telephone at 785-832-5293.
How do I get a larger diameter pipe on my entrance?
If the existing pipe or tube is too small to handle normal rainfall amounts then you should contact the Public Works Department by telephone at 785-832-5293. We will study the location and make a determination as to the best manner to proceed.
How do I get a longer pipe on my entrance?
If the width of your entrance is too narrow because you have changed the type or size of vehicle(s) you are using then you would be responsible for the upgrade (widening) of the entrance. Applications for the upgrade of entrances are identical to those required for the installation of new entrances and are available at the Engineering Division office at the Public Works Department, 3755 East 25th Street, Lawrence, KS 66046. It would be very helpful if you could bring a copy of your property's legal description which can be found on your property tax statement.
How do I get an address assigned to a parcel of property?
Addresses are not assigned to vacant parcels. Addresses are assigned by the Zoning and Codes Department when a landowner applies for a residential or commercial building permit. Addresses are typically based on the location where the entrance meets the public road. Note that an entrance to the property must be approved by Public Works or the township prior to applying for a building permit. A building permit will not be approved until the entrance has been constructed and inspected.
