Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Chuck Soules
CC:	Cynthia Boecker, Diane Stoddard, Ron Olin, Randy Roberts, Dena Mezger, Toni Wheeler, David Woosley, Bobbie Walthall
Date:	January 29, 2008
RE:	KTA Detour

The Iowa Street Bridge replacement project is underway. The KTA has marked a detour for truck traffic to use the Lecompton exit and “Farmers Turnpike” (County Road N 1800 Rd) for access to the industries north of the turnpike. Both the city and KTA contacted the businesses by letter and phone prior to construction. The city has placed additional signage on both Kasold Drive and North Michigan indicating “No Truck Traffic, Local Deliveries Only”, however, we continue to observe and receive complaints about numerous trucks using both sheets.

Kasold and N. Michigan are currently designated as Truck Delivery Routes. This designation would allow trucks to use these streets if they have a delivery and this road would be the most direct route to their destination. Trucks are not to use either route to access the KTA, either exit or entrance.

The Kasold project was just completed and Michigan Street was rebuilt less than five years ago. Although these streets can handle some truck traffic, they were not intended for regular truck usage. Trucks are not staying within the curbs and are rutting grassy areas and driving over sidewalks. These areas will need to be repaired this summer. Additional law enforcement has improved the situation, however, cannot be present 24/7.

To make it very clear for businesses/truck drivers, staff is recommending amending the Truck Route/ Truck Delivery Route Ordinance removing Kasold Drive, Michigan Street, Peterson Road, and Riverridge Road from the schedule until completion of the Iowa Street Bridge. The city will place No Truck signage on these streets.

Please let me know if additional information is needed.

Respectfully,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

CFS/je

Attachments: Revised Ordinance

Truck Route Map