Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	David P. Cronin, Project Engineer
CC:	Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works
Date:	August 25, 2008
RE:	Project No. 04-SI1-208(BD) - City Bid No. B08072 6^th & Congressional Traffic Signal and Congressional Traffic Island Set Bid Date

Please include the referenced item on the City Commission consent agenda for consideration at the September 2, 2008 meeting:

Project Description.  A benefit district was established for the construction of improvements at the intersection of 6^th Street and Congressional Drive, including signalization of the intersection and a traffic calming island on Congressional Drive south of 6^th Street. The island is proposed to be a raised median approximately six feet wide and 21 feet in length containing landscaping. 

Project History. 

August 2008	Final plans and specifications have been submitted to the City by BG Consultants.  KDOT has approved plan for improvements to intersection.  City staff has received approval for the traffic island from the West Lawrence Neighborhood Association.  Plans were sent to Walmart and 6 WAK for review.
March 4, 2008	City Commission authorized City Manager to enter into an Engineering Contract with BG Consultants for the completion of design plans and specifications for the proposed improvements at the intersection of 6^th and Congressional Drive.
February 12, 2008	City Commission approved Resolution 6755 ordering the improvements at the intersection of 6^th and Congressional Drive.
January 8, 2008	City Commission approved Resolution 6750 ordering a public hearing on the advisability of the construction of improvements at the intersection of Congressional Drive and 6^th Street including property acquisition, subgrade stabilization, traffic signals, and traffic calming devices south of 6^th Street along Congressional Drive.

Project Schedule.

September 2008	Open bids and award project
October 2008 - December 2008	Construct project.

Project Details.  Plans for the intersection improvements at 6^th & Congressional were developed by BG Consultants.  Plans for the traffic island on Congressional Drive were developed by City Staff. 

Project Funding.   The project is being funded by a benefit district.  By resolution, the City-at-large cost for the improvements is five-ninths.  Walmart and 6WAK have agreed to cover the City’s cost for improvements in addition to their share, adding up to two-thirds of the project costs.  The remaining one-third of the cost will be assessed to the other three corners of the intersection.

Action Request.  Set a bid date of September 16, 2008 for 04-SI1-208(BD), 6^th & Congressional Drive Improvements.

Respectfully submitted,

David P. Cronin, P.E.

Project Engineer