Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Department of Public Works
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TO:
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Charles Soules,
Director of Public Works
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FROM:
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David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
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CC:
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Shoeb Uddin,
City Engineer
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Date:
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4 June 2008
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RE:
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May 5, 2008 Traffic Safety Commission Item #3
900 Block New Hampshire;
Pedestrian-Activated Traffic Signal
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Background:
On May 5, 2008, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a
request to add a PEDESTRIAN-ACTIVATED TRAFFIC SIGNAL to the mid-block
pedestrian crosswalk on New
Hampshire Street between 9th Street & 10th Street,
connecting the parking garage to the Art’s Center.
Linda Reimond, Pre-School
Director at the Arts Center, Rick Mitchell, Gallery Director at the Arts Center,
Claudia Baker, Director of Dance Program at the Arts
Center, and Beth Anne Mansur, parent
of a child attending classes at the Arts
Center all spoke in favor
of the request. All speakers indicated
that motorists do not stop for pedestrians waiting to cross the street. Police
Department records show no reported pedestrian crashes during the past three
years, 2005-2007; however there was one reported in 2003. In addition, a petition signed by
approximately 150 individuals was presented in favor of the request.
The
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
requires 100 pedestrians per hour for four hours during the day; a pedestrian
count was obtained on 24 April 2008 and found 112 pedestrians crossing the
street from 12-1PM.
New Hampshire carries approximately 8000-10,000
vehicles per day in this area. Other mid-block pedestrian signals
in Lawrence include Massachusetts Street at South
Park, Kentucky Street at the Aquatic Center and 11th Street between New York Street and
New Jersey Street.
The TSC unanimously recommended approval. The estimated cost is approximately $30,000-$35,000
which is not currently budgeted.