Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Mark Thiel, Assistant Public Works Director
FROM:	David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer
CC:	Charles Soules, P.E., Public Works Director
DATE:	October 30, 2015
RE:	2015 KDOT Transportation Alternatives Application Lawrence Loop: 29th Street & Hobbs to Constant Park - Shared-use path connector project

Background on Transportation Alternatives Program

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is receiving applications for use of funds through the federal Transportation Alternatives program.  Transportation Alternatives is a program name under the federal transportation bill MAP-21, this program was previously referred to as "Transportation Enhancements" under past bills.  KDOT is now calling for submittals and has $14 million to award for 2016 funding,  the deadline for submitting project applications is November 20, 2015.

Projects eligible for funding must fall under one of three specified categories: 1) Bicycle and Pedestrian, 2) Historic, 3) Scenic and Environmental, and 4) Safe Routes to School.  The minimum local match for participation is 20% of the project cost.  Projects are ranked competitively and increasing the match will not necessarily increase KDOT's ranking.

An Official Endorsement of the projects is be included with the applications that provide KDOT written assurance that it will adequately maintain the completed project for a minimum of 20 years following project completion.  Attached is Resolution No. 7144 to submit an application for this project and assure maintenance responsibilities.  KDOT is also requiring applicants submitting more than one application to rank the priorities of their applications. 

Recommended Project for 2016 Application

The "Lawrence Loop" is a circumferential 22.4 mile 10' wide shared-use path around the City of Lawrence. The loop will be 75% complete when the South Lawrence Trafficway piece is opened in 2016, with 5.4 miles remaining.  Construction of the loop began over 20 years ago with completion of the west-leg of the South Lawrence Trafficway and segments have continued to be added through several Transportation Enhancement projects and as other grants have been obtained.

To continue to the ultimate goal of a completed loop, city staff recommends applying for these Transportation Alternative funds to construct four more segments (3950 LF total) as follows (see attached map):

• Section A) 29th Street - Haskell Rail Trail to SLT Path (750 LF)
• Section B) Hobbs Park to 9 Del Lofts (1450 LF)
• Section C) Poehler Lofts to BNSF Depot (950 LF)
• Section D) City Hall to Constant Park (800 LF)

These four sections would complete the eastern half of the loop with the exception of the piece from Santa Fe Depot to City Hall.  That remaining segment will need to be studied further with public input to define a preferred route that could be determined prior to the next grant opportunity.  The city applied for the entire route from Hobbs Park to Constant Park (see attached map) in the last round of KDOT Transportation Alternative Projects but was unsuccessful; some of the feedback from KDOT after the past application was the uncertainty of the alignment.  The study would be completed during plan preparation phase of the project to complete Sections A through D.

An overview by Section:

• Section A: Add shared-use path on south side of 29th Street from Haskell Rail Trail to SLT trail.
• Section B:  Extend through Hobbs Park from north end of Burroughs Creek Rail Trail to 9th & Delaware.
• Section C:  Complete gap segment between Poehler Lofts at 8th and Delaware to the BNSF Depot.  The preferred alignment would be along the railroad tracks.  A trail head and parking lot east of the BNSF Depot will be included in the application.
• Section D: Route the path underneath the Massachusetts Street and Vermont Street river bridges to eliminate at-grade crossings with traffic.  This section would be contingent on receiving approval of right-of-way use from the BNSF railroad and include a retaining wall.  It will also present an opportunity to construct a scenic river overlook from the connection to Robinson Park between the bridges.

Project Cost

The estimated construction cost of the project including the trail head at the BNSF railroad is $750,000 of which the city's 20% cost share would be $150,000.   The city would also be obligated for 100% of the design costs which would cost approximately $100,000.   The design would include the study to determine the preferred alignment from the BNSF Depot to City Hall.

Action Request

Direct staff to submit Transportation Alternatives application for Lawrence Loop Shared-use path connector project and assign a ranking of the TA projects to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Adopt Resolution No. 7144 to fund and maintain the project.