Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Department of Public Works
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TO: |
David L. Corliss, City Manager |
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FROM: |
Chuck Soules |
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CC: |
Shoeb Uddin, David Woosley, Mark Thiel |
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DATE: |
November 9, 2011 |
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RE: |
November 15, 2011 City Commission Agenda Item FY 2014 Geometric Improvement Funding (KDOT) |
Background
With the recent passage of the T-WORKS (the 10 year transportation program) by the Kansas State Legislature, the Geometric Improvement (GI) program is now being reinstated by the Kansas Department of Transportation after being suspended for two years due to lack of funding. This program allocates $6.0 million dollars annually statewide to address geometric deficiencies such as turn lanes on the City connecting links of the State Highway System (6th Street/US 40, Iowa/US 59, North 2nd/ US 40/US 59, and 23rd Street/K-10 in Lawrence). The primary objective of this program is to improve traffic flow and safety along the city connecting links of the State Highway system.
The program is competitive and award decisions are based on factors such as traffic impacts, system preservation impacts, and safety and local match/contribution. This is an 80/20 cost sharing program – 80% maximum state funding and 20% minimum city match. For cities with population between 50,000 and 99,999 (Lawrence population: 90,000), the state participation would be capped at $900,000.00. Cost of engineering design, construction plans and construction engineering / inspection, right-of-way and utilities are considered eligible project costs.
Project Details
The City submitted two applications/projects for the FY2014 Geometric Improvement funding program: 6th & Iowa and 23rd and Iowa. KDOT is recommending approval of $500,000 for the 23rd and Iowa project.
23rd and Iowa
This is the busiest intersection in Lawrence with about 60,000 vehicles per day. The proposed geometric improvements would include dual left turn lanes for east and west bound and reconfiguration of the free flow right turn lanes for west and north bound. In addition to reducing the queue lengths of the left turning traffic, the proposed dual left turn lanes will also improve through and right turning movements, especially during the morning and afternoon peak hours. The reconfiguration of the right turn lane would reduce the number of accidents involving merging and weaving movements at the north and east legs of the intersection. The reconfiguration plan will also improve pedestrian safety and movements at this location. [See attached Exhibit]
Based on our preliminary traffic analysis, the proposed geometric improvements at 23rd and Iowa will reduce the average delay associated with the left turning movements. In addition, the average delay for the intersection as a whole will also go down to some extent. Furthermore, these improvements will reduce accidents and facilitate pedestrian movements across the entire intersection. Considering the high traffic volume, accident rates and pedestrian safety, the proposed geometric improvements (consisting of dual left turn lanes and reconfiguration of the free flow right turn lanes) are highly recommended. In addition to improving traffic flow and safety, the proposed improvements will enhance the aesthetic experience at the busiest transportation corridor in Lawrence.
Project Cost / Funding
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23rd and Iowa |
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Estimated Total Project Cost (Engineering Design, Construction and Construction Management / Inspection) |
$1.5 million |
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State GI Funds offered |
$500,000 |
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City Funds |
$1,000,000 |
These estimates are very preliminary ballpark figures. Actual total project cost will vary depending on factors and conditions unknown at this stage of the project development. [Acquisition of additional R/W or easements are not anticipated]
Project Schedule
The proposed project schedule:
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Engineering Design and Construction Plans – 2012 and 2013 |
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Construction – 2014 |
Action Requested: Receive Geometric Improvement Funding from KDOT in the amount of $500,000 for improvements at 23rd Street and Iowa.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles F. Soules, P.E.
Director of Public Works
CFS/je
Attachments: