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:	December 31, 2007
RE:	Traffic Safety Commission Item #3: School Crossing Control Policy

Background: When reviewing the recent request for an Adult Crossing Guard at the intersection of Bob Billings Parkway & George Williams Way, city staff and members of the Traffic Safety Commission found some potential problems with the current School Crossing Control Policy. The current policy does not account for sight distance at the location being crossed or the speed limit or number of lanes of traffic on the street being crossed. The Commission felt that these deficiencies should be corrected.

The recommendations are as follows subject to a minimum of ten students crossing similar to all other criteria:

1. That an Adult Crossing Guard may be provided if the speed limit on the street is over 35mph;

2. That an Adult Crossing Guard may be provided if the street is marked for more than three (3) lanes of traffic; and

3. That an Adult Crossing Guard may be provided if there is not sufficient sight distance for an elementary student to see oncoming traffic in time to completely cross the street.

In addition, the Commission felt that these criteria should be used whether or not the crossing is currently marked.

None of these changes would have an effect on any current Adult Guard locations or any recent requests.

Action Request: Approve resolution incorporating changes to the School Crossing Control Policy.