Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

 

CC:

Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager

Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works

Casey Toomay, Budget Manager and Interim Transit Administrator

 

Date:

 

April 29, 2009

RE:

Submittal of Possible Transit and Surface Transportation Projects for the Reauthorization of Comprehensive Federal Transportation Legislation

 

The current comprehensive federal transportation program, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) was authorized for Federal surface transportation programs for highways, highway safety, and transit for the 5-year period 2005-2009.  The City of Lawrence received funding through SAFETEA-LU for the extension of W. 6th Street, along with other project funding that came to the City through the State of Kansas.  Because the legislation will be expiring this year, work has begun on the reauthorization of another comprehensive federal transportation bill for another five year period.  Staff has received contact from a member of the Congressional delegation requesting input on projects that the City of Lawrence would like considered for possible inclusion in this legislation. 

 

Staff seeks the City Commission’s direction regarding submission of the following possible projects:

 

·        Transit:

o       Joint City and University of Kansas Transit Facility- This facility would provide a centralized and shared facility for both the City and KU transit fleets and maintenance activities. A new facility will enable the opportunity for both entities to own rather than lease. The current facility is needing improvements to meet requirements and it is leased.  Estimated cost:  $7 million

o       Fleet Replacement- On-going replacement of fixed-route fleet with up to three bio-diesel or bio-diesel/electric hybrid vehicles per year as buses meet their useful service life.  On-going replacement of three paratransit vehicles per year with alternative fuel such as bio-diesel or bio-diesel/electric hybrid buses as buses reach their useful service life.  Estimated cost: $12.4 million

·        Surface Transportation:

o       Bob Billings Parkway and K-10 interchange- This would be a new interchange linking Bob Billings Parkway to K-10 and allow for future development west of K-10.  This improvement would improve access, help reduce congestion on W. 6th Street and Wakarusa and enable growth at the appropriate time in the future west of K-10.  Estimated cost: $12 million

o       Ramp and Signalization improvements to the W 6th Street and K-10 interchange- This would improve the W 6th Street and K-10 interchange by adding an additional lane to the exit ramps off of K-10 and signalization at the W. 6th Street intersection to help improve traffic flow and increase safety.  Estimated cost:  $2.5 million

o       Franklin Road and K-10 intersection– This project would provide a greatly needed improvement for K-10 access from the East Hills Business Park as well as future Farmland development opportunities.  The project would provide a fully signalized intersection, the construction of Franklin Road north of K-10 and east to Greenway Circle in the East Hills Business Park.  The project would improve safety and access for businesses located north of K-10 as well as the general public.  Estimated cost: $2.5 million for the signalization and $2 million for Franklin Road construction

o       31st Street Extension between Haskell Avenue and O’Connell Road-  This project would construct the extension of 31st Street to the east between Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road.  This street extension would provide a vital east-west connection that would help reduce congestion on 23rd Street (K-10).  Estimated cost: $7.5 million

 

Requested Action:  Staff recommends that the City Commission authorize the submittal of the following projects to the Congressional delegation for possible inclusion in the next comprehensive transportation bill:  joint City and University of Kansas transit facility, transit fleet replacement, Bob Billings Parkway and K-10 interchange, ramp and signalization improvements to the W 6th and K-10 interchange, Franklin Road and K-10 intersection construction, and the extension of 31st Street between Haskell Avenue and O’Connell Road.