Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

 

TO:

David L. Corliss

FROM:

Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works

CC:

Cynthia Boecker, Diane Stoddard, Jonathan Douglas

Date:

May 1, 2008

RE:

March 3, 2008 Traffic Safety Items

May 6, 2008 City Commission Regular Agenda

 

Please include the following Traffic Safety (TSC) items for City Commission consideration on their Regular Agenda of May 6, 2008:

 

TSC Item 4:  The TSC heard a request to establish a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Dakota and Louisiana Street.  The request was approved unanimously.  Staff wanted the Commission to be advised that the approval includes pedestrian refuge islands.  The cost for materials would be approximately $1,500 if the Street Division completes the construction.     Funds are available in the Traffic Engineering budget for non-motorized improvements.

 

The University of Kansas enforces traffic violations on interior campus streets, and violations are processed through the City of Lawrence Municipal Court.  In order for these violations to be enforced and processed through the City of Lawrence Municipal Court, KU submits requests to the Traffic Safety Commission which are then presented to the City Commission.  This process establishes laws/ordinances required for enforcement.  Historically, the City has worked with KU allowing the university to decide how they control traffic on campus. 

 

KU has made two requests for City Commission consideration:

TSC Item 5:  Establish stop signs at the four traffic booth entrances to campus.  The stop signs are necessary to improve student safety on the campus and comply with the MUTCD.  The TSC did recommend denial of this request; however, staff is recommending that the request for stop signs be approved.

 

TSC Item 6:  Request from KU for a mid-block marked pedestrian crosswalk on Naismith Drive between 18th and 19th Street.  This was a recommendation of the campus Safety Advisory Board and student fees will pay for the costs of construction.  This request was approved 5-2 by the Traffic Safety Commission.

 

Action Requested: 

1.      Approve TSC recommendation establishing a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Dakota and Louisiana Street with a pedestrian refuge island.

2.      Approve KU request for stop signs at traffic booth entrances to campus.

3.      Approve KU request for mid-block marked pedestrian crosswalk.

 

Please let me know if there are any questions.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules,  P.E.

Director of Public Works