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 2010
RE:	3 August 2010 City Commission Agenda Item Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossing – 1200 Block Kentucky Street

Background

On June 7, 2010, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to establish a MID-BLOCK CROSSWALK on Kentucky Street between 12^th Street & 13^th Street.  Kentucky Street is classified as a “collector” street and carries approximately 8,500 vehicles per day with a posted speed limit of 30 mph.  St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, which made the request, has a church and elementary school on the east side of Kentucky Street and a parking lot (approximately 40-car) on the west side of the street.  Staff advised that a nation-wide study of similar locations found no safety improvements by installing only signing and pavement markings; in addition, there have not been any reported pedestrian crashes at this location during the past eight years; however, the city has found some success with mid-block crossings together with pedestrian refuge islands or pedestrian beacons such as on New Hampshire Street between 9^th Street & 10^th Street.   

Traffic Safety Commission Action

A representative of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church appeared before the Commission and supported the request; indicating that parishioners park in the lot to attend the seven (7) weekend services and a daily 7:30 am service; in addition, parents use the parking lot and walk their children across the street to the school.  The Commission felt that there was substantial justification for a crossing at this location, but felt that a crosswalk without other controls was pointless.  The Commission voted unanimously to recommend that a signalized mid-block pedestrian crossing be constructed.

Project Funding

It is estimated that a SIGNALIZED MID-BLOCK PEDESTRIAN CROSSING complete with signs, pavement markings and sidewalk ramps will cost approximately $20,000.  This project is currently unfunded.

Action Request

Approve TSC recommendation to establish a MID-BLOCK PEDESTRIAN CROSSING together with a PEDESTRIAN BEACON on Kentucky Street between 12^th Street & 13^th Street if appropriate.