City of Lawrence
Lawrence – Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee
March 19, 2013 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT:
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Chris Burger, Chad Foster, Lisa Hallberg, David Hamby, Rhonda Houser, Justin Eddings |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Josh Ediger, Jay Bialek, Chris Rogge |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Jessica Mortinger, Todd Girdler, David Cronin |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Jonathan Marburger, Clifton Pye, Tom Huber |
3. Discussion Item: Bicycle Infrastructure and Routing Impacts Related to the Completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway: Jonathan Marburger from KDOT presented the routing and details for the Shared Use Path that will be built as part of the South Lawrence Trafficway Project. The final routing option chosen for the project was the 32nd Street B preferred alignment. The project includes mitigation measures including but not limited to: 304 acres wetlands (142 acres already built), a relocated 31st street, a wetlands cultural education center, hike/bike trails, and noise walls.
The project will relocate Louisiana Street south of 31st Street and eradicate the existing Louisiana Street. The new Louisiana Street will tie into the existing southern Louisiana Street over the Wakarusa River. Louisiana north of 31st will also be relocated. Existing 31st Street will be eradicated, and relocated closer to the proposed SLT. Haskell Street south of 29th Street will be relocated to the east, father from the environmentally sensitive areas. To correspond with these changes, there will be parallel SUP installed. KDOT purchased ROW for Shared Use Path to connect to the existing SUP that ends at Iowa on the North side of the highway. The SUP will continue to the relocated Haskell Street(this section will be funded by the City) and cross over the bridge at Louisiana and K-10, then follow along the south side of the SLT until Haskell where it will continue North on Haskell until 29th Street.
Mr. Foster asked how long the Louisiana/Haskell corridors will be closed for construction. Mr. Marburger indicated that the contractor would have options about how to stage the project but would be required to leave at least one of the parallel routes open and try to build the new road segment and have it open for service before the old sections are eradicated. Mr. Foster asked when during the SLT planning process was the BAC was consulted. Mr. Marburger indicated that while neither he nor MPO staff could direct the BAC to a specific instance, the many reviews and EIS and other FHWA review periods had opportunity for comments and public input. Ms. Hallberg noted that to date the mitigation for wetland creation has been impressive. Mr. Foster asked when the project would be completed. Mr. Marburger indicated the project should be completed by 2016. Mr. Foster asked if it was legal to bicycle on the K-10 Highway. Mr. Marburger indicated that it was legal to do so. Members discussed other possible ways to connect the proposed SUP with the end of the Burrough’s Creek Trail. Mr. Cronin indicated that additional planning would continue on this infrastructure as funding becomes available.
The BAC members thanked Mr. Marburger for coming to present information about the project and answer their questions. After Mr. Marburger left, Mr. Foster asked about some specific access/curb cuts and if they were planned for better access onto and off of the SUP. He indicated he would contact KDOT to follow up.
4. Other Business/ Updates
Reminders
Earth Day Table - Saturday, April 20th
KU BAC April 08, 2013 3:00 PM-4:00 PM. Alcove F - Kansas Union
Ms. Mortinger introduced Mr. Tom Huber of Toole Design. Mr. Huber is a member of the consultant team working on the MPO’s Multimodal Studies Project, including the Bike Plan Update. He was in the area from Madison, WI and stopped by Lawrence to get out and walk around.
5. Public Comments: There was no public comment.
6. Adjournment of Meeting: The meeting ended at 6:00 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2013 or another date set by the BAC held in Eudora, Kansas.