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:	16 June 2010
RE:	22 June 2010 City Commission Agenda Item Multiway Stop – 11^th Street (east leg) & Mississippi Street

Background

On May 3, 2010, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to establish a MULTIWAY STOP at the intersection of 11^th Street (east leg) & Mississippi Street.  A temporary MULTIWAY STOP had been established at the intersection during the construction of The Oread Hotel in order to facilitate traffic flow around the area while portions of streets were closed and detours were in place.  Prior to the temporary installation 11^th Street stopped for Mississippi Street.  11^th Street and Mississippi Street are both classified as “collector” streets.   

Traffic Safety Commission Action

A representative of the University of Kansas appeared before the Commission and supported the request; indicating that they felt it had improved traffic flow for both pedestrians and vehicles in the area.  In addition, it was indicated that they would be willing to reconstruct the driveway on the west leg of the intersection in order to be able to place the STOP sign for southbound traffic at the appropriate location.  A member of the public stated that the STOP sign is annoying and unnecessary, especially for eastbound traffic on 11^th Street that now has to stop twice in a very short distance.  In addition, Mississippi Street is a main entrance to the campus and should be open through from 9^th Street.  The Commission approved a recommendation to establish the MULTIWAY STOP on a 5-2 vote, subject to the reconstruction of the driveway on the west leg of the intersection.  Those in opposition cited the inconvenience to stop and research that has shown installing STOP signs can actually increase the speed of traffic in the area.

Action Request

Establish a MULTIWAY STOP at the intersection of 11^th Street (east leg) & Mississippi Street if appropriate.