Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

Chuck Soules, Public Works Director

FROM:

Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer

CC:

James Risner, David Woosley, James Wisdom, John Williams

Date:

August 12, 2010

RE:

Set Bid Date – City Bid No. B 1038

6th Street ITS project, City Project No. PW0823

August 17, 2010 City Commission Agenda Item

 

Introduction

The main focus of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is to improve safety and efficiency of transportation system. The fundamental philosophy of ITS is that the Roadway Infrastructure and Traffic perform as an integrated system. Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) created an ITS Set-Aside Funding Program in 1999 with a vision to ensure safer and more efficient traffic flow across Kansas. In 2006, through a state wide competitive selection process, the City of Lawrence received an award of $250,000.00 of KDOT ITS Set-Aside Funding - this award along with city’s matching funds will make possible the foundation and framework for a sophisticated and advanced traffic management system in Lawrence. While this project covers 6th street (from City Hall to Iowa) and Iowa street (from 6th to 23rd), the ITS network could be incrementally expanded to other areas of the city as additional funds become available in the future.

 

Project Details

In 2008, Lawrence-Douglas County MPO reached a milestone by developing the “Regional Architecture and Deployment Plan” for this region. The current ITS project along West 6th and Iowa is the first project towards achieving the goals and objectives of the Regional ITS Architecture.

 

The main objective of this project is to install fiber optic communication lines in order to develop a closed loop traffic signal system along 6th street (from Massachusetts to Iowa) and Iowa street (from 6th to 23rd). [See Project Location Map] A closed loop traffic signal system will enable video-monitoring of intersections, instantaneous response to signal malfunctions and unlimited signal timing plan, and thereby would greatly improve traffic flow and safety. This project will include installation of central control hardware/software, CCTV cameras, video screens, building modifications and related Intelligent Transportation Devices. The ITS system will assist and improve the emergency response by Police and Fire.

 

A total of 288 strands (maximum capacity of the conduit) of fiber optic cable will be installed in the existing 1 ¼” empty conduits. These existing conduits were installed about 10 years ago by Light Core (a telecommunication company headquartered in St. Louis, MO) under a right of way agreement with the City. Out of 288 strands, the city will be utilizing approximately 168 strands - the remaining fiber strands can be shared with other public /private entities through a partnership or leasing /license agreement in the near future.

 

 

Project History / Status

·         On July 22, 2008 the City Commission approved Resolution 6778 ordering the improvements for the 6th street ITS project and authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds for the maximum principal amount of $250,000.00.

·         ITS Set-Aside Project Agreement between KDOT and the City of Lawrence was executed on March 12, 2009.

·         On November 24, 2009 City Commission approved Engineering Services Agreement with Olsson Associates

Project Design started in December of 2009. City staff has been working engineers at Olsson Associates for the past several months addressing various important design issues. Project Design is now complete, and Construction plans & specifications are ready for Bid Letting.

Project Schedule

•      Bid Opening                August 31, 2010

•      Construction                October – December, 2010

 

Project Cost/ Funding

Total estimated Project cost is $500,000.00 and will be financed as outlined below. Engineering Design fee is included in the total project cost and is eligible as city’s matching funds.

 

KDOT funding                        $250,000.00

City Funds (GO Bonds)         $250,000.00 (Res. 6778 passed by CC on July 22, 2008

 

Future Expansion of the Fiber Optic Network

Staff has been exploring various opportunities to realize the full potential of the current ITS project. Based on our preliminary discussions with KU and Douglas County, it seems very feasible that the current extent of the ITS project can be extended eastward to the East Hills Business Park and northward to the junction of US 59/24 under a tri-party agreement (city, county and KU) with no additional cost to the city beyond city’s share of $250,000 for the current project.

 

Based on preliminary estimates, City, County and KU will likely utilize a total of 216 counts of fiber, leaving 72 counts of fiber available to lease out to other interested private entities, e.g. Community Wireless Communication (CWC) and others.

 

In addition to working to bring this project to a successful completion, staff will also be simultaneously working on the details of possible partnership arrangements with other public entities, and preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit interests / proposals from private entities.

 

When laying out the details of the partnership / leasing agreements with other public / private entities, it is important to note that 100% ownership and control of the Fiber Optic Network will remain with the city in order to make certain timely maintenance and protection of this infrastructure, and thereby to ensure safety and efficiency of traffic flow in Lawrence.

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion and Recommendation

This project is now at its final stage with anticipated construction this Fall. According to KDOT’s

schedule, this project is to be completed by 2010. In order to keep this project on schedule and to maximize the benefit of the fiber optic infrastructure, staff recommends the following.

 

1.            Proceed with the 6th street ITS project as designed and planned.

2.            Retain 100% ownership and control of the Fiber Optic network.

3.            Partner with KU, county and other public entities and extend the fiber optic network with no additional cost to the city.

4.            Prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP) to lease out fiber optic cables to private entities under terms and conditions acceptable to the City Commission.

 

Action Request:  Set the Bid Date on August 31, 2010 for the City Bid No. 1038, City Project No. PW 0823 - 6th Street ITS project, if appropriate.

 

 

Attachment: 

Project Location Map