Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Department of Public Works
Traffic Engineering Division
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TO: |
Charles Soules, Director of Public Works |
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FROM: |
David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer |
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CC: |
Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer |
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Date: |
10 June 2010 |
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RE: |
15 June 2010 City Commission Agenda Item Speed Limit – 4th Street |
Background
At the April 6, 2009 Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the Commission addressed a request to establish a 35 mph speed limit on 4th Street between McDonald Drive & Maine Street. The Commission recommended approval of the request and requested a follow-up speed study six months after implementation to determine if there had been a change in the speed of the traffic. At the May 12, 2009 City Commission meeting, the Commission unanimously approved the recommendation from the Traffic Safety Commission, but changed the limits to McDonald Drive to Michigan Street. The 35 mph signs were installed June 3, 2009. In November 2009, a request was received from the Pinckney Neighborhood Association to rescind the 35 mph speed limit.
Traffic data was collected December 4-5, 2009 to compare to data collected March 23-24, 2009 (prior to the speed limit change). The data showed an average speed of 34.8 mph in December compared with 34.7 mph in March.
Traffic Safety Commission Action
Steve Braswell, representing the Pinckney Neighborhood Association, spoke in support of the request noting that it is a heavy residential area and the residents would like to encourage motorists to drive slower. The Traffic Safety Commission felt that changing the speed limit would not have any effect on the speed of traffic; in addition, this route is a thoroughfare to the emergency room at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The Commission approved a motion, 7-1, to recommend retaining the 35 mph speed limit.
Action Request
It is recommended that the City Commission approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission to retain the 35 mph speed limit on 4th Street between McDonald Drive & Michigan Street.