Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Dave Corliss, Debbie Van Saun
FROM:	Chuck Soules
Date:	May 25, 2006
RE:	31^st Street – Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road

I spoke with Larry Emig, Chief, Bureau of Local Projects, KDOT, about the $800,000 Federal appropriation.

• 1% is taken off the top for administration, so $792,000 is available.
• Obligation authority has been approved, therefore funds are available.
• The project description is 31^st Street from Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road.  No other limitations on how the funds are spent, so this may include engineering, right-of-way, and construction.
• The bill does not have an expiration date; however, Mr. Emig recommends we commit the funds sooner rather than later.
• This is 100% funding, no match required.
• The City’s next step is to submit a project request form to get this project underway.

Regardless of the SLT alignment, 31^st Street will be necessary for local access.  The 31^st Street Corridor Study was completed in January 2003.  Since that time the City’s expectations for street infrastructure has changed.  The 31^st Street Corridor Study suggests a four-lane wide facility.  An updated plan should look at lane configuration options, medians, sidewalks, recreational paths, and bike lanes.  Rough estimate for this mile of road is $6 million for construction, $200,000 for planning, $350,000 engineering design, $250,000 right-of-way, and utilities are unknown.  Following is a conservative project schedule:

June 13, 2006	City Commission approves submittal of project request.
September 2006	Receive acknowledgement from KDOT that project is programmed.
October 2006	Consultant selected.
January 2007	Planning/study phase.
Spring 2007	Public meetings.
Summer 2007	Project details confirmed.
Fall 2007– Fall 2008	Right-of-way acquired; plans developed.
Bid	When project funds are available.

Action Requested:

Authorize submittal of project request form for the construction of 31^st Street from Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

Attachments:  General Location Map