Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

 

TO:

Dave Corliss, Interim City Manager

FROM:

Chuck Soules

CC:

Debbie Van Saun, Terese Gorman

Date:

May 30, 2006

RE:

June 13, 2006 Agenda Item

N. 2nd Street & Locust Street

Geometric Intersection Improvements

City Project No. 27-GI5-505(S)

State Project No. 23 U-2041-01

 

Please include the following item on the City Commission regular agenda for consideration at the June 13, 2006 meeting:

Project Description. Reconstruction of intersection to include a southbound left turn lane, improved geometrics, and signalization.

 

Project History. 

 

2005

Project programmed into KDOT 5-Year Plan.

November 2005

Hired TranSystems to prepare design.

April 19, 2006

Met with Depot, Parks & Recreation, Rick Renfro (Johnny’s Tavern), Historic Resource Administrator, Ted Boyle (North Lawrence Improvement Association), and Cory Brinkerhoff.

April 29, 2006

Met with ILC to discuss traffic control.

May 8, 2006

Met with North Lawrence Improvement Association.

 

Project Status.  Three options have been developed:  Option 1 centers the improvements around the existing roadway.  The curb line moves 6’ on the east side and 12’ on the west side.  Some of the existing retaining wall will be replaced on each side of the road.  The trees on the west side, currently between the curb and sidewalk, would be removed.  A southbound left turn lane (eastbound) would be installed.  Estimated cost - $1.62 million.  Option 2 places all of the widening for the turn lane on the east side of the intersection.  The curb line moves –at a maximum- 18 1/2’ to the east.  Some trees may need to be removed depending on the retaining wall height.  The west side curb line would be maintained in its current location.  Estimated cost - $1.25 million.  Option 3 includes prohibiting a left turn at Elm Street from southbound traffic.  Estimated cost - $1.4 million.

 

These options were presented to the stakeholders (adjacent property owners) and the North Lawrence Improvement Association.  Both groups agreed widening to the east was the best option for the following reasons:  estimated construction time is less, impact to west side business is less, cost is lower and alignment is better (smoother).  Additionally, it was brought up that prohibiting the left turn onto Elm Street would improve safety and traffic flow.  Elm Street is currently a one-way street east.

 

Attached is a report from the Historic Resources Administrator concurring with the eastern widening; Parks and Recreation also agree with widening to the east. A construction truck route using 3rd Street to Locust has neighborhood and ILC’s agreement.  We are also working with Parks and Recreation on tree replacement and landscaping. The City Utility Department is reviewing their facilities in this area to determine if improvements are needed.  It does not appear that there will need to be significant electrical power facility adjustments.  There are fiber optic lines in the area; their impact is being reviewed.  Stormwater facilities are also being reviewed. 

 

This project is scheduled to bid in October 2007.  With direction on which design option to proceed with the project could potentially bid next summer.  The Corps of Engineers will be interested in reviewing this project since it is within the levee critical zone; this could take a few months.

 

Recommendation:  Recommend the east side widening option which has been the widely accepted option with regard to construction, time, cost, alignment, and property impact.  Option 3 prohibiting the southbound left turn will also improve safety.

 

Action Requested:      Provide direction on which option to pursue.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

CFS/je

 

Attachments