Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Department of Public Works
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TO: |
Chuck Soules, Public Works Director |
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FROM: |
David P. Cronin, City Engineer |
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CC: |
Mark Thiel, Assistant Public Works Director |
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DATE: |
April 17, 2013 |
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RE: |
April 23, 2013 City Commission Agenda Item Application for FY 2016 Geometric Improvement Funding (KDOT) |
Background
KDOT's transportation plan, T-WORKS, includes a Geometric Improvement (GI) program that allocates $6.0 million dollars annually throughout the state 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 roadway capacity/traffic flow and safety along the city connecting links of the State Highway system.
The GI program is very competitive and award decisions are made based on factors such as traffic impacts, system preservation impacts, safety and local match/contribution. This is based on 80/20 cost sharing – 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.
In 2011, the City of Lawrence received $500,000 (from FY 2014 GI program) for improvements at the intersection of 23rd and Iowa streets.
Project Selection
Staff has preliminarily evaluated 3 potential projects for FY 2016 GI Application at the following locations:
23rd & Haskell
With the anticipated 2016 completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway including the addition of an interchange at 31st & Haskell, improvements at 23rd & Haskell are recommended. Also after the SLT, 23rd St will come off of the state highway system as K-10 and will no longer be eligible for geometric improvement funds.
Recommended improvements at 23rd & Haskell include reconstruction with concrete pavement, the addition of westbound and eastbound dedicated right turn lanes on 23rd St, and widening Haskell south of the intersection to accommodate widening Haskell in the future. Additional improvements include new traffic signals, storm sewer improvements and ADA compliant sidewalk ramps.
Total estimated cost of this project is $1.2 million. With $900,000 from GI funding, the city will have to contribute $300,000 to complete this project.
6th & Folks Rd
This project consists of installation of dedicated right turn lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic on 23rd St and widening of Folks Rd north of 6th Street to include a dedicated right turn lane and possibly dual left turn lanes. Right-of-way acquisition and/or easements may be necessary.
The total estimated cost of this project is $750,000 ($600,000 state/$150,000 city).
6th & Monterey Way
Improvements at this intersection include dedicated right turn lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic on 6th St and widening of Monterey Way north and south of 6th Street to include right turn lanes. Traffic signals would be upgraded and right-of-way would likely be needed from adjacent property owners.
The total estimated cost of this project is $1,000,000 ($800,000 state/$200,000 city).
Staff Recommendation
Based on the impending South Lawrence Traffic way project, staff recommends reconstruction of the 23rd & Haskell intersection for FY2016 Geometric Improvement Funding Application with an estimated construction cost of $1.2 million; $300,000 would be city contribution. Another factor considered in favor of this project is that East 23rd Street will need to be reconstructed after completion of the South Lawrence Traffic way and improving this intersection prior to reconstructing 23rd St will be beneficial.
The estimates are very preliminary and actual total project cost will vary depending on factors and conditions unknown at this stage of the project development, including acquisition of additional R/W or easements.
Project Schedule
It is anticipated that the funding decision will be made by KDOT in July/August of this year. If approved, the plans could be developed in-house with city staff in 2014. Construction would likely occur in summer/fall of 2015.
Action Requested
If appropriate, authorize staff to submit FY 2016 Geometric Improvement Application for reconstruction of the 23rd & Haskell intersection including geometric improvements.
Attachment: Map