Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

Dave Corliss, Interim City Manager

Debbie Van Saun

FROM:

Chuck Soules

CC:

Terese Gorman, David Woosley, David Hamby

Date:

May 31, 2006

RE:

Project No. 61-GI2-104(C)

19th & Louisiana Intersection Improvements                      

 

HISTORY: 

January 3, 2005 – The project was introduced to Douglas County and the School Board at a joint meeting.

January 18, 2005 – City Commission approves pre-design report to be completed by BG Consultants in an amount of $37,180.08.

March 10, 2005 – Stakeholders meeting with Lawrence High School, Cordley Elementary School and neighborhood associations from Old West Lawrence, University Place, and Centennial.

May 16, 2005 – Held a public meeting requesting input.

October 19, 2005 – Met with school representatives to discuss preliminary report results.

December 20, 2005 – Presented preliminary report to City Commission.

January 23, 2006 – Presented preliminary report to School Board.

February 1, 2006 – Met with Site Councils from Cordley Elementary School and Lawrence High School.

 

Attached is the correspondence received from the School Board, neighborhood, and residents.  At this time there is not much support to complete either of the two options developed in the study (roundabout/geometric).  There is agreement and support, however, to provide a lengthened left turn lane on 19th Street to southbound Louisiana, a turning lane on 19th Street west of Louisiana, and a bus turnout lane on Louisiana south of 19th Street.  These improvements were estimated at approximately $500,000.  However, with the substantial increase in construction costs and the preliminary nature of these initial estimates, I would estimate the cost of the improvements (attached) would be closer to $800,000.  *These estimates do not include water main replacement.*

 

BIG PICTURE:  19TH Street, between Massachusetts and Naismith, is projected to be milled and overlaid in 2008.  The improvements to the intersection could also be completed at this time through the 5-Year Plan which could provide approximately $400,000 additional funding.

 

Recommendation:

Approve lengthening of left turn lane on 19th Street east of Louisiana, construction of center turn lane on 19th Street west of Louisiana, and construction of bus turnout lane on Louisiana south of 19th Street.

 

Approve submittal of improvements to 19th Street into the 5-Year Plan with KDOT.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

Attachments:  Map of Area