Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

Traffic Engineering Division

TO:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
CC:	Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer
Date:	April 30, 2009
RE:	May 12, 2009 City Commission Agenda Item Speed Limit – 4^th Street

Background

At the April 6, 2009 Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the Commission addressed a request to establish a 35 mph Speed Limit on 4^th Street between McDonald Drive and Maine Street. 4^th Street is classified as a “collector” street in a residential area paved 30 feet wide with sidewalks along both sides and an existing speed limit of 30 mph.

Evaluation

The Traffic Engineering Division conducted an evaluation of this request in March in accordance with established nationwide and Kansas practices. The study found the 85^th percentile speeds to range from 34.2 mph to 43.4 mph with an average of 39.2 mph and traffic volumes ranging from 3500-5000 vehicles per day. Based on this data a 40 mph speed limit could be justified; however, since this is primarily a residential area, a 35 mph speed limit is recommended. Other “collector” streets in residential areas currently posted at 35 mph include Crossgate Drive between Clinton Parkway & 27^th Street, Harper Street between 19^th Street & 23^rd Street, Michigan Street between 2^nd Street & Riverridge Road, Monterey Way between Bob Billings Parkway & Peterson Road, Riverridge Road between Michigan Street & Iowa Street and 27^th Street between Crossgate Drive & Wakarusa Drive.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

No one from the public spoke to this item. Most of the commissioners supported the request including one who drives the route daily; however, one commissioner felt it would increase the speed of the traffic. The Commission voted 7-1, to recommend establishing the speed limit at 35 mph and conducting a subsequent speed study after six months to determine if there had been a change in the speed of the traffic.

Project Funding

It is estimated that this will require the installation of approximately six speed limit signs at a cost of $61.25 each.

Action Request

It is recommended that the City Commission approve the request to establish a 35 mph speed limit on 4^th Street between McDonald Drive and Maine Street.