Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Public Works
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TO: |
David L. Corliss |
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FROM: |
Chuck Soules |
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Date: |
December 1, 2008 |
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CC: |
Cynthia Boecker, Diane Stoddard, Jonathan Douglas, Keith Browning, Shoeb Uddin, Ric Johnson, Mike Novak |
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RE: |
31st Street – Haskell Avenue to Route 1057 (E 1900 Rd) KDOT Project No. 23 U-2117-01 – City Project No. 18-CP7-507(S) Alignment and Design Speed |
Please include the following information on the December 9, 2008 City Commission Regular Agenda:
Project History.
· 6/15/06 – City submitted a Request for Construction Project to initiate the project
· 4/24/07 – City Commission approved consultant selection process
· 8/23/07 – City Commission approves consultant selection of Wilson & Company, Inc.
· 11/1/07 – Study Session with City Commission; Wilson & Co. 8/30/07 improvements memo
· 2/12/08 – Approved Scope of Services with Wilson & Co.
· 3/24/08 – Briefing of Board of County Commission
· 4/7/08 – Formal letter from Board of County Commissioners to City Commission to expand scope of project to Route 1057
· 5/29/08 – Met with City and County staff to discuss project
· 6/13/08 – Steering Committee Meeting
· 7/11/08 – Steering Committee Meeting
· 7/25/08 – Met with O’Connell Youth Ranch Board of Representatives
· 9/29/08 – Public meeting at Fairgrounds
· 10/20/08 - Met with KDOT/FHWA regarding environmental process and project responsibilities
· 10/31/08 – Steering Committee Meeting
· 11/10/08 – City/County Commission Study Session
Project Status.
The City received Federal Funds for the preliminary design and right-of-way acquisition for the referenced project. One of the requirements of using Federal funds is that plans need to be developed to the “field check” stage prior to acquiring right-of-way. Plans need to be sufficiently designed to know what the property needs are before acquisition begins.
The Steering Committee was comprised of representatives from the adjacent neighborhoods, wetlands, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Planning/City/County Commissions, businesses, Chamber of Commerce, and staff. The Steering Committee recommendations included:
Steering Committee Recommendations/Findings:
· A curvilinear alignment,
· Southern alignment between Haskell/O’Connell following the topography,
· Typical sections, including medians/ditch sections (from Haskell Avenue east to the end of the industrial area a three lane curb and gutter/storm sewer section),
· Right-of-Way needed for future expansion – 150’,
· Multi-use path on north side and tying into Prairie Park,
· Design speed of 45 mph,
· Intersection at Haskell Avenue will need a signal,
· Intersection at O’Connell Road should be reviewed for a signal/roundabout.
On November 19 the Board of County Commissioners formally approved the recommended alignment and a design speed of 45 mph for the section of 31st Street from O’Connell Road east to County Road 1057 (memo from Keith Browning).
The citizen survey included the question: What should be the posted speed limit for the proposed 31st Street between Haskell Avenue and O’Connell Road?
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Proposed Speed |
35 mph |
40 mph |
45 mph |
50 mph |
55 mph |
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|
4 |
11 |
18 |
3 |
1 |
Design speed is the speed at which both vertical and horizontal curvature is defined. The higher the speed the flatter the curve. Site and stopping distance are also affected; the faster the speed the greater the site distance and stopping/reaction distance need to be.
Typically design speed is established as the anticipated speed at which the designer intends as a maximum posted speed. One would not post a road higher than the design speed, however a road may be posted at a lower speed limit than the design speed. It is common for a posted speed to be less than the design speed as motorists tend to travel a little faster than posted speeds. However, it is also important to note at this time that 31st Street west of Haskell Avenue to Iowa is posted at 45 mph.
This discussion is important from the perspective that it could affect alignment, cut/fill quantities, and right-of-way needs. At the recommended speed (45 mph) Wilson & Co. was able to balance the cut/fill quantities therefore not needing to purchase or dispose of additional material. At a reduced design speed additional fill would probably be necessary. The quantity is not specifically known as this would entail extensive additional effort by Wilson & Co. (specifically this would entail a new design of all vertical/horizontal curves and establishing new cross sections).
The section of 31st Street from Haskell to O’Connell will be a principal arterial road with restricted access. Motorists do tend to go faster when there is no development adjacent to the roadway. It would not be prudent to design this type of road for too low of a speed limit as this could cause an unsafe situation with vehicles exceeding the safe speed for the road conditions.
Additionally, one of the needs for this road was to provide another east/west arterial connection. If the speed and distance/alignment make this connection a less desirable route then the facility may have a diminished value.
Attached are the posted speed limits of the arterial streets within the city.
Staff Recommendation.
Approve alignment and design speed of 45 mph for 31st Street from Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road. This speed was recommended by the Steering Committee and would provide some flexibility that if/when constructed the posted speed limit could be less.
Action Requested:
Pending discussion, provide staff with direction on alignment and design speed to proceed to plan concept phase.
Attachments: Keith Browning Memo