Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Boecker, Jonathan Douglas

FROM:

Chuck Soules

CC:

Philip Ciesielski, Shelley Schupp, Shoeb Uddin, Mark Thiel

Date:

July 30, 2009

RE:

August 4, 2009 Regular Agenda Item

23rd Street Bridge Replacement Project

KDOT Project 10-23 KA-0685-01

 

Please include the following item on the City Commission regular agenda for consideration at the August 4, 2009 meeting:

In June 2008 the City Commission received a report from KDOT and HNTB regarding plans for the replacement of the 23rd Street Bridge near Haskell University (aerial) (picture of existing structure). The project did not receive funding for 2010/2011; however, the project will proceed to development of final plans and construction could begin in 2012.

 

Project Review.

*      The new bridge will be lowered approximately 8’ improving sight distance. (proposed bridge section/elevation)

*      A sidewalk will be constructed on the south side.  A multi-use path will swing north below the bridge tying into the Burroughs Creek Rail Trail. (pedestrian routes)

*      The street will be widened for a center turn lane.  (Typical road section)

*      Shoofly detours will maintain two lanes of traffic (eastbound/westbound) during construction. (detour)

*      Significant sewer mains will need to be reconstructed.

*      Construction will take 5-7 months.

 

This project could be an attractive “gateway” to the Lawrence community.  As the project proceeds towards final plans the City needs to formally request possible design concepts to KDOT, keeping in mind that KDOT will ask the City to participate in any additional costs.    

 

Possible design alternatives:  (railing examples)

*      The new bridge and approach will be 5 lanes (including center turn lane) although there is not a need for this center turn lane for several hundred feet. 

*      Medians with irrigation and landscaping would improve the appearance of the area.

*      Ornamental style pedestrian LED lighting would enhance the area.

*      The plan includes an 6’ woven wire fence at the edge of the sidewalk over the bridge.  A wrought iron look would be more aesthetic.

The City should request a cost estimate of potential items the community would like to have included.

 

KDOT and HNTB would be available to attend the August 4, 2009 City Commission meeting to provide a project update.

 

Action Request. 

Authorize City Manager to send a letter to KDOT requesting the inclusion of certain improvements to the plans for the reconstruction of the 23rd Street Bridge.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

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