Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works
CC:	Casey Toomay, David Cronin, Scott McCullough, Bryan Kidney
DATE:	October 20, 2015
RE:	Preliminary Design of 19^th Street Reconstruction from Iowa Street to Naismith Drive

The University of Kansas (KU) Central District Plan proposes significant improvements to current student housing. The improvements are expected to begin as early as 2016 and completion in 2017/2018 with all phases.  The proposed project(s) will have access to 19^th Street.  Due to the scope of this project and the City’s need/plans to make improvements to 19^th Street it is recommended that plans for 19^th Street are coordinated with KU’s plans.

The Existing 19^th Street from Iowa Street to Naismith Drive has a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 44 (which is low for this type of facility-arterial) including rutting, raveling and base failures.  The curb and gutter is also in a fair condition with some areas rated as poor.  This section of 19^th Street is included with the projects funded with the Infrastructure Sales Tax in 2019.  The proposed improvements would include a center turn lane, bake lanes, and sidewalks on both sides. 

With the Central District Plan proceeding, both City and KU staff agree that planning for the coordination of these projects is essential. City water mains as well as other private utilities will have to be relocated and it is important that we have sufficient plans for 19^th Street to ensure that they will not have to relocate twice.  Also grades for the street as well as improvements (driveways) need to be coordinated so we are not replacing new improvements.  Finally, we need to make sure that we have sufficient right-of-way to make the street improvements. 

Staff is recommending that the City and KU work to develop the preliminary design for 19^th Street from Naismith to Iowa. Plans should be developed to the Field Check Design Stage.

Field Check Plans are not ready to bid/construct.  Field Check Plans would provide grades, elevations, horizontal and vertical controls, identify the proposed improvements (street, sidewalk, bike lanes) right-of-way needed, and survey.  As a general rule of thumb Field Check Plans are approximately 50% complete.  Completion of Field Check Plans will help ensure that the Central District Project and 19^th Street (when constructed) will be coordinated. 

Action

Direct staff to work with KU on the completion of Preliminary Design Plans / Field Check Plans for 19^th Street from Naismith Drive to Iowa Street

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

CFS/ch