EMAILS FOR TWO-WAY LEFT-TURN LANE ON IOWA
-----Original Message-----
From: Betsy Evans [mailto:evanstobetsy@sunflower.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2007 10:36 AM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Center/Left Turn Lane on Iowa Street
I can't come to the meeting Thursday but thought I'd forward my concerns. I live at the corner of Hilltop and Harvard, so this turn problem doesn't have much effect on me. I'm thinking, though, of the residents on the north and south side of Iowa....will they lose front yard space to make room for the new lane? That could be a problem.
It's my experience that left turn lanes are 'way too often used to merge. It's scary when you're driving in the lane nearest the center and someone shoots out into the center lane from a side street in an effort to merge. This has happened to me lots of times on 23rd, near its intersection with Haskell, and on 6th near Michigan. My inclination is to swerve to the right, regardless of what kind of traffic is in that lane. Just thought I'd take the opportunity to criticize this aspect of center/left turn lanes. We probably need some community education here.
Back to the issue....I think it's a good idea if the residents accept it and it's used correctly (and safely).
-----Original Message-----
From: Gene H Humburg [mailto:humburgschneg@juno.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 3:55 PM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: passing lane
Greetings,
The small portion of Iowa street south of Harvard Road without a passing
lane has resulted in far too many needless accidents and injuries. If
anyone is foolish enough to attempt a left turn there is a very high
probability of a rear-end collision involving two, three, or more
automobiles. Since inattentive driving seems to be almost legal, it is
distressing to know that a girl screaming, trapped in her car, was just
in the wrong place at the wrong time.
We live close to Iowa and hear collisions far too often - please support
adding a fifth lane to this part of Iowa.
Sincerely,
Gene Humburg
2103 Orchard Lane
Lawrence, KS 66049
From: WahaLk@aol.com
[mailto:WahaLk@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 3:25 PM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Left-turn lane on Iowa
Mr. Soules,
Yes I would like to see a center/left-turn lane constructed on Iowa from Harvard to University Dr. I'm frequently on that section of Iowa and It does get pretty crowded at times especially on game days/nights.
I think it's time we took advantage of the offer of state funding before it is withdrawn. I wonder if there are statistics as to fender-benders/accidents in that area. Thanks for your letter and the choice of e-mailing if unable to attend.
Vera Cole
2504 Oxford Rd
Lawrence Ks. 66049
-----Original Message-----
From: John McQueeney [mailto:jmcqueeney@krjohnson.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 11:19 AM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: LEFT TURN LANE ON IOWA STREET/HARVARD TO UNIVERSITY DR.
Morning Mr. Soules.
Am in receipt of your letter dated March 8, 2007 regarding the above
project.
May note your letter was dated the 8th, posted the 10th in Shawnee Mission
and received at my Lawrence address on the 14th--thus the note due to the
short notice on making the meeting this evening.
My personal feeling is the left turn lane would be a tremendous improvement
to Iowa traffic flow not to mention the benefit the neighborhoods would
enjoy.
The left turn lane would minimize the backup/delay on Iowa Street improving
traffic flow, minimizing the possibility of rear ends and reduce the need
for those of us needing to turn onto University Dr. from either turning on
Harvard or 15th and making our way through the neighborhood.
Net---am strongly in favor of the left turn lane on Iowa St. to service the
Harvard to University Dr.
My home address is 1634 University Dr. Phone is 749-1730.
Thank you for your consideration.
John J. McQueeney
KR Johnson, Inc
913-599-1134 x 114
913-599-5108 fax
From: Joanne Eckert
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 3:20 PM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Iowa Left-Turn Lanes
Nancy Hambleton, 1312 Raintree Place, thinks the left-turn lanes are needed on Iowa. It is very dangerous.
Joanne M. Eckert
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
Phone: (785) 832-3123
Fax: (785) 832-3398
From: Charles Soules
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 1:07 PM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: In favor
Lawrence Moore, 1604 University Place in favor of the left turn lane on Iowa. Called 3/13/07 @1pm
From: Faye Watson [mailto:gfwatson@sunflower.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 12:05 PM
To: Charles Soules
Cc: Alan Miller
Subject: Center/left-turn lane on Iowa Street (Harvard to 15th)
Thank you for your notification letter of March 08 concerning the above matter. Because this is scheduled at the same time as Fred deVictor's retirement reception, I will be unable to be present for your meeting. I have contacted a number of persons concerning this matter and every single contact totally agree with this project and that it must be done asap.
Our University Heights Neighborhood Assn., as well as resident neighbors in other areas, will be well represented and UHNA Co-Chair Allan Miller and other officers will be there and glad to speak on this behalf.
It is so very important to work on this traffic and safety issue immediately. It is the opinion of both UHNA and myself personally, that there must be a continuation of the "protected" center/left-turn lane on Iowa. Needed safety concerns would be increased by the continuity of this center lane, especially now since the traffic on Iowa, both north and south, has increased so remarkably with through traffic.
Following this improvement, University Drive needs to be three-laned at the intersection with Iowa. Traffic backs up clear to the stop signs at Engle & University at times when someone is trying to make a left turn (south) on Iowa. Perhaps this can be done at the same time.
Thank you for your help. Faye Watson, Phone #842-6925, 1516 Crescent Road, Lawrence 66044.
From: George Waters
[mailto:georgewaters@sunflower.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 8:38 AM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Iowa widening
Dear Mr. Soules:
I own the building at 1203 Iowa, right at the corner of Iowa and Orchard Lane. I am highly in favor of a turn lane along the stretch of Iowa as proposed. I’ve been in this building for over 6 years, and not a month goes by when we hear the sounds of an accident when someone is trying to turn left either east or west. I know the neighbors to the east of Iowa will protest wildly about this issue, but the fact is, a lot of people already go through these neighborhoods. University and Stratford are protected by several stop signs along their lengths, and the streets are narrow, so speeds are already somewhat constricted.
We need this turn lane to happen.
Yours truly,
George Waters
-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Schultz [mailto:eschultz@ku.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 3:52 AM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Center Left-Turn Lane between Harvard and University Dr.
With University Dr. being used with greater frequency than previously as
a main access road to the university, it is imperative that a center
lane be established on Iowa between Harvard and University Dr. At least
one deadly accident occurred there, and the lack of a turn-lane is
another accident waiting to happen. I regret not being able to attend
the meeting on March 15, but hope that these thoughts are represented.
Thank you, Elizabeth Schultz
From: Juanita Marsh
[mailto:nupa47@sunflower.com]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 11:55 AM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: left turn lane on Iowa street
Mr. Soules,
We would be for a left turn lane on Iowa street on to University Drive and Stratford Road.
Sincerely,
Mr & Mrs Marsh
1640 Crescent Road
Lawrence, Ks 66044
843-2651
From: Tracy Green
[mailto:tgreen@bagreen.com]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 8:13 AM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Iowa Street Center turn lane
Chuck-
I would just like to state my position in favor of the center turn lane project proposed for Iowa Street. It also makes sense to me to leave the east side of the road intact and make the widening entirely on the west side of the existing street.
In addition to that project I do believe that some adjustments to the stop light at 15th and Iowa Street should be considered specifically during the late afternoon rush hour (typically 4:00 to 6:00 pm) My observations are that south bound traffic backs up significantly during that period of the day and I’m not sure that vehicles trying to make left turns during the rush hour are the only reason for the back ups.
Thanks
Tracy Green
B.A. Green Construction Co., Inc.
1207 Iowa Street
Lawrence, Kansas 66049
785-843-5277
785-843-0797
|
3/22/07 @ 2:13 p.m. – received call from Carolyn and George Swift who both very much support the left-turn lane on Iowa Street. They both think it would be wonderful. |
EMAILS AGAINST TWO-WAY LEFT-TURN LANE ON IOWA
-----Original Message-----
From: Sha Ma [mailto:sha_ma2001@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 11:01 AM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Left turn lane on Iowa Street
Dear Mr. Soules and the City Commissioners:
My Name is Sha Ma and I am resident of Stratford Road.
I went to the community meeting on Thursday, March
15th and I am very concerned by the proposed plan of
constructing a center/left-turn lane on Iowa Street
between Harvard Road and University Drive. I strongly
disagree with your assessment, which apparently is not
based on fact, that constructing an additional lane is
the ultimate solution to improve safety and traffic
flow on Iowa Street. In contrast, this will simply
shift the problem from Iowa Street to the residential
area along Stratford Rd. and University Drive and
significantly worsen the living condition of our
neighborhood.
The first thing I disagree with is your assessment
about the future traffic flow in Stratford and
University. Without providing any data based on
careful study your people insisted that the added lane
won’t increase the traffic in either Stratford Road
or University Drive. The current road condition of
Iowa Street discourages vehicles from the north making
left turn because of the fear of blocking traffic and
being hit from behind. Once the lane is added it will
encourage people to take the advantage of it and
certainly more people will take Stratford Rd. or
University Drive as a shortcut to access KU campus in
order to avoid bottle neck on the 15th street. It is
by common sense to anyone to foresee that the traffic
flow on Stratford and University will increase
substantially in the future. In addition, it is well
known that the Lawrence builders are working hard at
North as well as Northwest corner of the city to setup
more apartment complex and single family houses. There
will be more people travel on Iowa Street from north
in the near future and add even more traffic in our
neighborhood inevitably. I think that your assessment
is inaccurate and irresponsible. In fact, if your plan
won’t divert a significant traffic flow from 15th
street to Stratford and University, as you claimed,
how it can reduce congestions on Iowa Street?
The second thing I disagree with is your claim that
adding a left-turn lane is the right solution. As a
matter of fact, it will create more traffics to our
street and put extra burdens and additional problems
for residents. The section of Stratford Road, where I
live, as well as Sunset Drive are already very
congested during rush hours since part of them has
been an unofficial parking lot of KU. Vehicles parked
along the roadside make the streets significantly
narrower. Vehicles running in opposite directions on
Stratford often have to slow down significantly, or
even to stop completely, to avoid collision. For the
residents of Stratford it is already quite difficult
to pull their car safely from driveway to the street
because of the heavy traffics and bad visibility
caused by the curbside parked cars. Any additional
traffic will make the problem even worse and will
increase the probability of having accidents
significantly. Your plan may not save human life and
reduce the traffic accidents in Iowa Street but at the
same time will certainly make Stratford Road unsafe
and put the lives of the residents, especially the
elderly and small children, in jeopardy. I wish you
and those who make the decisions come to visit our
neighborhood to experience the reality during rush
hours when KU is in classes. As Mr. Bill Mitchell
suggested in the March 15th community meeting, instead
of simply put another patch, the University of Kansas
should work with the City of Lawrence together to put
more efforts to find a feasible and long term plan to
solve the traffic congestion in its several bottle
necks, such as 15th and Eagle. It should never shift
burdens to its neighborhoods and make them the
victims of its mismanagement and incompetence.
Please do not ignore the neighborhood’s pain and
concern. To build a left turn lane is against local
resident’s wish. Our neighborhood has been
generous and has made tremendous sacrifices to benefit
KU and City of Lawrence for decades. Besides our
street being used as a free parking lot for the
university people, we shuffle and clean the snow on
sidewalks in winter for pedestrians and bikers. We
have to constantly pickup the litters from the passing
motorists and endure the endless noise in the nights
from the students in rental properties. It is already
stretched to limits to support the university. How
much more can we bear and carry? According to the
City’s zoning law Stratford Road is supposed to be a
residential area. It is a short stretched road with
less than 40 single family houses. (University Drive
is the same case). Why do we need an additional lane
to direct traffic in? Your intention serves purely
the interest of University of Kansas instead of that
of the local residents. Making a left-turn lane on the
road means that motorists are encouraged to take
Stratford or University as the gateway to KU campus by
the City of Lawrence. I never see any well
established streets serving as a gateway or being used
to divert traffic flow from major roads in Lawrence
area. Why us? The purpose of a left-turn lane is
designed to provide driver immediate access to
shopping centers, restaurants or public places but not
an established residential area. Stratford Road
should never be an official gateway to KU campus!
The land value on Stratford Road, assessed by Douglas
County’s Appraisal Office, has been among the
highest in Lawrence, which means we have paid more
property taxes than other neighborhoods. It is
absolutely unfair and injustice for us to shoulder
higher taxes while have the City’s plan to further
damage our community by diverting traffics to our
front door!
People who live in other side of the Iowa Street
support your idea. They are occasionally bothered by
the road backup or bypass caused by the accidents in
Iowa street, which make them unhappy and inconvenient.
Do they realize that we, the residents living on the
east side of Iowa, are the ones who endure daily heavy
traffic, discomfort and inconvenient? It is easy for
them to say nice words such as “save human life”
and “minimize the accidents” or would like take a
short cut to visit their friends. Who is going to pay
the price and who is going to carry the extra burden?
In fact, their comments and suggestion do not worth
much because they are not the ones whose daily life
will be significantly affected. Should Californians
decide whether Kansas should be designated as landfill
for their solid waste? Of course NOT!!! For the same
reason the opinions of the people live in streets west
of Iowa are irrelevant to the current debate.
The real solution to solve the problem is to put a
“Do Not Enter” sign on Iowa Street to stop people
from turning east into Stratford Road or University
Drive therefore completely eliminate the root cause of
the problem which not only save human lives but also
precious public funds.
Thanks for your attention,
Sha Ma
1909 Stratford Road
EMAILS WITH CONCERNS REGARDING TWO-WAY LEFT-TURN LANE ON IOWA
From: PHILLIPC49@aol.com
[mailto:PHILLIPC49@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2007 12:54 PM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Left-turn lane on Iowa St
Assume you
are heading North on Iowa and want to turn left into driveway serving
residence at 1213 Iowa and the office of B.A.Green Construction Co.. As the
distance between this driveway and the entrance to Stratford Rd is approx. 130 ft. and that to entrance of University Dr is approx. 200
ft. I foresee some potential for accidents in the turn lane or in the West lane
of N. bound traffic where vehicles have stopped waiting to turn into the turn
lane. I feel sure this has been taken into consideration but want to note my
concern. P.T.Cross
From: GETuel@aol.com
[mailto:GETuel@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2007 5:20 PM
To: Charles Soules
Cc: GETuel@aol.com
Subject: re:IA left turn lane
Mr. Soules,
I was not able to attend the Hillcrest meeting, but have these thoughts:
The primary issue for both Iowa St. traffic and Stratford Rd. (where I live) is
excessive speed. The results are accidents for left turns off Iowa (and University) as people try to shift lanes to avert any wait. (I always avoid
any left turns there during rush hours now since I am fearful of being
rear-ended.) I see that 35 mph is posted in this area. Most people
passing me there are doing 45 or more. I have observed officers
patrolling north of 9th street on Iowa and on McDonald Drive, but have not seen
them stopping people in the area of question.
Persons passing by my home on Stratford Rd. usually exceed 40 mph and even
greater by the time they reach Water Tower Park. Since, they have to
drive more slowly, if they pass by Hillcrest School, they use Stratford Rd. and University as the "freeways" to campus or back. This seems
to be those late for 8 am work at the University and otherwise, persons eager
to avoid other stoplights as they take shortcuts to the "mall" on South Iowa.
If turn lanes must (??) be installed on Iowa, facilitating more traffic east to
campus, I would highly recommend at least two speed bumps -- one mid-block and
one just to the southwest corner of the park where students cross.
(unless, of course, officers would be willing to ticket speeders on Stratford). Speed bumps would, of course, hamper the trucks who attempt to clear the
snow in winter, but they, too, can learn to slow down as well.
Fortunately, my children are now grown and have survived the "freeway"
in front of my house. But, other children still have to get safely to
Hillcrest.
On a humorous note, I have noticed that other residents have experienced
numerous dents on this street from the congestion. Perhaps, you could ask
the University to lower their parking rates for students so that more of them
could use the Garages there and not have to fight for parking as they race to
class. Just a few years ago, not one student parked in front of my house;
now they park and walk or drag a bicycle out of their vans and ride off to
class.
In summary, let's deal with speed control first; then see if turn lanes
are needed.
Gene Tuel
2009 Stratford
From: Katie Jennings
[mailto:aquakej@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 12:20 PM
To: Charles Soules
Subject: Left Turn Lane on Iowa
Hi Charles,
Thanks for your letter. I live on Terrace Rd, off of Iowa between 15th & Harvard. I always feel bad having to make a left turn off of Iowa to get onto my street at the end of the day. I try to put my blinker on far in advance so traffic can move around me, but I still have to sit on Iowa, waiting to turn, for several minutes. Southbound motorists aren't observing the law that states that you can't block access to a street when you stop at a light. I am usually sitting there, with my blinker on, as Southbound traffic is completely stopped at the light, blocking my way to turn. As you may know, Terrace is a dead-end street, so I can't go home "the back way". Turning onto it from Iowa is the only option. Often, I choose to go far out of my way in order to come around and go S on Iowa, in order to make a right-turn onto my street. This is slightly inconvienient for me, but I started trying it when I read that the city might ban all left turns onto my street during certain hours.
The portion of Iowa between 19th and 9th st. seems to have the worst traffic in town from about 4:30-6:30 every weekday. I have to wait through 2 or 3 light cycles just to get through each light. Obviously, traffic here needs alleviated in some way. I don't think putting in turn lanes would help the overall traffic problem very much, since it seems to be a problem of quantity (too many cars), not lack of turn lanes. It's true that I do, personally, back up traffic by not having a turn lane, but I don't notice this to be a major problem. I don't usually run into anyone else backing up traffic by trying to turn left on my way home. Maybe it's just me! That's why I try to go around, because I do feel bad.
It might help move traffic through faster if the lights at 19th & Iowa and 15th & Iowa lasted longer. The lights seem to be sufficient during the day, but traffic backs up significantly during the rush hour. It seems to take forever just to get through each light!
Having a left turn lane on Iowa at Terrace Rd. would make it more convienient for me to come home every day. It would eliminate my backing up of traffic at 5:00. However, like I said, I don't think people trying to turn left is a major cause of traffic backup. I don't know if putting in a turn lane would really help very much. If you were to put one in, the only disadvantages I can see are the logistics widening Iowa St and the inconvenience of construction. I wouldn't want Iowa creeping into my yard on Terrace Rd, and I wouldn't want it creeping into the woods on the other side of the street. Besides those facts, it is obvious that construction on Iowa for a long period would severely back up traffic. We just had construction on this portion of Iowa last summer, so it seems redundant to re-do it again so soon.
So, sorry for the long letter, but I just wanted to give you my thoughts. I'm not sure if I'd be for or against the turn lane. It would make things more convienient for me personally, but I don't think turn lanes are the answer to alleviating the massive backups on Iowa during rush hour.
Thanks!
Katie Jennings, 2120 Terrace Rd.