Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

TO:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
CC:	Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer
Date:	14 August 2008
RE:	Request for MARKED CROSSWALK at the intersection of Dakota Street & Louisiana Street

Background:  On March 3, 2008, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to establish a MARKED CROSSWALK at the intersection of Dakota Street & Louisiana Street.

Carol Bowen, 403 Dakota Street, and Michael Pomes, 528 Kansas Street, spoke in favor of the request, noting that many pedestrians from the residential area on the east side of the street cross Louisiana Street in this area to access the major commercial area on the west side of the street.  No one from the public spoke in opposition to the request.

The TSC voted unanimously to recommend establishing a marked crosswalk, but only in conjunction with pedestrian refuge islands similar to the other four crossing of Louisiana Street between 19^th Street & 27^th Street.

At the May 6, 2008, City Commission meeting, the Commission referred the request back to the Traffic Safety Commission to take into consideration the cycling public; in addition, there was discussion about alternatives.

At the June 17, 2008, Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting, the Committee voted unanimously to support construction of the PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLANDS on Louisiana Street as requested by the Parkhill Neighborhood Association.

On August 4, 2008, the Traffic Safety Commission again heard this request and voted 5-1 to again recommend establishing a marked crosswalk together with a pedestrian refuge island on Louisiana Street near Dakota Street. The commissioner opposed to the request was concerned that there were no sidewalks within the neighborhood to get pedestrians to Louisiana Street without walking in yards or in the street.

It is estimated that it would cost approximately $5000 to contract for the work; however, public works personnel would be able to perform the work for just the cost of materials.  Funding is available in the Traffic Engineering Division budget for non-motorized improvements.