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:	28 July 2009
RE:	4 August 2009 City Commission Agenda Item School Reduced Speed Zone – George Williams Way

Background

The City’s School Crossing Control Policy, adopted in 1996, states that a REDUCED SPEED ZONE may be provided for each marked crosswalk that is not protected by a stop sign, traffic signal or adult crossing guard.  A recent request to establish a REDUCED SPEED ZONE on George Williams Way adjacent to Langston Hughes Elementary School was recommended for denial by the Traffic Safety Commission since there are no crosswalks in the area and students should be crossing at the established crosswalks at Bob Billings Parkway and at Harvard Road where adult crossing guards are in place.  At the July 7, 2009 City Commission Meeting, the Commission deferred action on this item and directed staff to provide a recommendation for reduced speed in front of Langston Hughes.   

Evaluation

A school crosswalk could be provided in front of the school, however, due to the amount of school traffic, it would likely warrant an adult crossing guard in order for students to cross safely.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices does not provide any requirements or criteria for school reduced speed zones, however, it does provide the following guidance:  The reduced speed zone should begin either at a point 200 feet from the crosswalk, or at a point 100 feet from the school property line, based on whichever is encountered first as traffic approaches the school.

A recent comprehensive study of school zones by the Texas Transportation Institute recommends that the reduced speed zone begin at a point 200 feet from the crosswalk or the first driveway on school property, whichever is encountered first as traffic approaches the school.  The study also found that the longer the zone, the higher and more variable the speeds within the zone.  In addition, the study found that compliance with the speed limit was greater where flashing beacons are used as compared with passive signing.  A school zone beacon, foundation and installation costs are $5,000 each ($10,000 for a pair in school zone).  All School Reduced Speed Zones on collector streets in Lawrence have beacons, or they are being installed.

Action Request

Establish a SCHOOL REDUCED SPEED ZONE on George Williams Way approximately 200 feet north and south of the driveways to Langston Hughes Elementary School, if appropriate. Authorize the expenditure of $10,000 from Capital Improvement Reserve Funds for the installations of school zone beacons.

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