Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

FROM:

Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer

CC:

Chuck Soules, David Woosley

Date:

June 15, 2011

RE:

Traffic Calming – 11th and West Campus Road on KU campus.

June 21, 2011 City Commission Meeting Agenda Item

 

Introduction

In September of 2010, the City Manager received a letter from The University of Kansas requesting measures to improve pedestrian safety on 11th Street and West Campus Road.  Since then, City staff had several meetings with KU staff and the area residents. This memo outlines a summary of staff recommendation for traffic calming devices along with cross walks on 11th Street and West Campus Road.

 

West Campus Road and Stratford

According to the accident data provided by KU staff, there had been 4 accidents at this intersection over the past 4 years. Typically, 5 accidents in one year at one location would prompt an investigative analysis to determine possible corrective solution. Based on field data collected in November of 2010, the 85th percentile speed is 35 mph – current posted speed limit is 30 mph. The higher speed is of safety concerns to KU administration. Based on our past experience, a traffic calming device, properly designed and built, would be effective in slowing down the traffic.

 

11th Street and West Campus Road

According to the accident data provided by KU staff, there had been 3 accidents at this intersection over the past 4 years. The field data collected in November, 2010 shows the 85th percentile speed being 29.5 mph - the posted speed limit is 30 mph. Although high speed does not seem to be a problem, KU staff is concerned about pedestrian safety at this location and would like to see some safety improvements.

 

Staff Recommendation

As 11th Street and West Campus Road are both collector streets and designated routes for emergency response, staff is recommending “Speed Cushion” on these streets. Speed cushions are designed to facilitate /accommodate movements of ambulances and fire trucks while slowing down all other vehicular traffic.

 

West Campus and Stratford – 2 speed cushions, cross walk and a handicap ramp. [See attached Exhibit]

 

11th and West Campus – 2 speed cushions and a cross walk. [See attached Exhibit]

 

These recommendations were presented at a public meeting of the West Hills Neighborhood Association and were approved by the attending members.  The exact locations of the speed cushions were then paint marked by staff in the field. Staff then met with area residents on site including the president of the West Hills Neighborhood Association. The speed cushion locations were acceptable to the area residents. Staff from KU and City’s Fire Department also found the locations of the proposed speed cushions acceptable.

 

Staff recommends proceeding with these improvements as planned.

 

Project Cost / Funding

2 Speed Cushions (including cross-walk) at 11th and Stratford:             

$30,000.00

2 Speed Cushions (including cross walk) at 11th and West Campus Road:

$30,000.00

 

 

Estimated Total construction cost:                                        

$60,000.00

 

This project will be 100% financed by KU funds. City staff will manage and coordinate the construction of these improvements in close cooperation with KU staff. The city will pay for the construction cost upfront and then get reimbursed by KU.

 

Project Schedule

If approved by the City Commission, this project will be completed by August 12, 2011 (the beginning of KU Fall semester).

 

Action Request

If appropriate, approve Speed Cushions on 11th Street and West Campus Road, and authorize Change order to Phase II Street Maintenance Program with RD Johnson in an amount not to exceed $60,000.