Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Public Works
|
TO: |
David L. Corliss, Cynthia Boecker, Diane Stoddard, Jonathan Douglas |
|
FROM: |
Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works |
|
Date: |
August 5, 2008 |
|
RE: |
Art Center Pedestrian Crossing 18th Street Diverter |
Please include the following item on the City Commission regular agenda for consideration at the August 12, 2008 meeting:
At the July 1, 2008 City Commission meeting the Commission approved the Traffic Safety Commission recommendation to place a pedestrian signal at the raised cross walk on New Hampshire in front of the Art Center. During the Commission discussion of this project Commissioner Highberger requested an analysis of how this project would score/rank compared to other traffic calming projects already approved. Attached is David Woosley’s analysis which ranks this project in the top five. Commissioner Amyx suggested improving visibility of pedestrians entering the crosswalk; staff agreed and the first parking stall at the northwest corner of the crosswalk has been removed.
The 18th Street diverter was one of the originally approved projects for the 2008 CIP budget. The project is the highest ranking/scoring traffic calming project and has been approved since June 7, 2003 (TSC 5/5/03). Staff worked with the neighborhood and Kansas University on the design. The intent is for the area to blend with the neighborhood keeping everyday traffic off 18th Street between Maine and Missouri yet able to carry traffic during special events or in case of emergency. Attached are a bid memo, plan, and request from the president of the University Place Neighborhood Association.
Finally, the question of funding for both of these projects needs to be addressed. The 2008 CIP budget includes $250,000 for sidewalk and traffic calming projects. David Cronin’s July 24, 2008 bid memo provides a summary of the projects, current status, and associated costs. Resolution 6728 authorized the issuance of bonds for several of these projects. Since Resolution 6728 was approved the city has directed that additional improvements should also be completed. Resolution 6788 authorizes the issuance of bonds for all these projects.
Action Requested
1) Approve funding for the Art Center mid-block pedestrian signal.
2) Waive engineer’s estimate for 18th Street diverter and award bid to Asphalt Improvement Company in an amount of $27,471.00.
3) Approve Resolution 6788 amending Section 1 and 2 of Resolution 6728, expanding the list of projects authorized by Resolution 6728.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles F. Soules, P.E.
Director of Public Works
Attachments: Art Center Traffic Analysis Memo 18th & Maine Traffic Diverter_Bid Tab
18th & Maine Traffic Diverter_Bid Memo 18th & Maine Traffic Diverter_UPNA email