Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

TO:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
CC:	Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer
Date:	May 17, 2007
RE:	Traffic Safety Commission Items

Background:

On May 7, 2007, the Traffic Safety Commission heard citizen requests for TRAFFIC CALMING on three streets and PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS at two locations.  All five requests were unanimously recommended for approval.

TRAFFIC CALMING requests were received for 27^th Street between Louisiana Street and Missouri Street, Maine Street between 7^th Street and 9^th Street and 18^th Street between New Hampshire Street and Barker Avenue.  Based on traffic data collected, all three locations meet the city’s minimum requirement for consideration of traffic calming.  Although determination of actual devices is made in consultation with the neighborhood after funding is approved, possible solutions at the three locations are as follows:

27^th Street:  A traffic calming circle could be provided at the intersection with Belle Haven Drive, in addition, approximately four speed humps may be necessary.  The estimated cost would be $15,000 per device or $75,000 (Note:  a temporary traffic calming circle could be provided utilizing materials on-hand).

Maine Street:  A traffic calming circle could be provided at the intersection with 8^th Street, in addition, at least two speed humps may be necessary.  The estimated cost would be $15,000 per device or $45,000 (Note:  a temporary traffic calming circle could be provided utilizing materials on-hand).

18^th Street:  One alternative would be to install two speed humps; a second would be to construct a partial diverter (similar to 6^th & Schwarz).  The estimated cost would be $15,000 per device or $15,000-$30,000 (Note:  a temporary partial diverter could be provided utilizing materials on-hand).

It should be noted that a previous TRAFFIC CALMING request for Trail Road was tabled without action at the February 20, 2007, City Commission meeting.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT requests were received for the intersection of 11^th Street & New Hampshire Street and on 31^st Street near Cottonwood.

11^th Street & New Hampshire Street:  This improvement would consist of constructing a bulb-out on the south side of the street and narrowing the north side of the street together with appropriate sidewalk alterations.  The estimated cost of these improvements is $5000 and would be performed in-house.

31^st Street near Cottonwood:  This improvement would consist of constructing a mid-block signalized pedestrian crossing similar to what was approved for 11^th Street between New York Street & New Jersey Street earlier this year.  The estimated cost of this improvement is $20,000 and can be funded within the current budget.

Action Request:  Direct staff as appropriate.