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:	February 23, 2016
RE:	Final Design of the Intersection of 19^th & Ousdahl Road

On October 27, 2015 the City Commission received an update on the University of Kansas Central District Plan.

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, bike lanes, and sidewalks on both sides.  (see attached aerial maps/plans)

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. 

Construction will begin in the next couple months on Ousdahl (north of 19^th) within the Central District.  Ellis Drive is/will be used for access to the Hilltop Daycare Center. 

The intersection at 19^th & Ousdahl Road is a key component to the Central District improvements, 19^th Street, and neighborhood access.  KU has funding to complete Ousdahl north of 19^th, and the signalization of the intersection.  Timing for completion of this intersection this summer would also be beneficial during the reconstruction of 19^th Street, from Naismith to Iowa Street next year.  If the intersection is completed it would provide an option for the phasing of construction of 19^th, allowing more efficient construction.

On March 2, 2016, a public meeting was held to discuss the proposed improvements to 19^th Street and construction of the intersection at Ousdahl Road. Approximately 40 residents attended.

The plan for the construction of the intersection would include:

· Construction of Ousdahl Road north of 19^th Street, begin in April/May

· Close the intersection at 19^th & Ousdahl after commencement and re-open 19^th before classes resume in August

· In August/September the southern portion of Ousdahl would be completed

The estimated construction cost is $860,000 with KU participating in the signal and the north side of the intersection (approx. $250,000 - $300,000).   

In order to complete the construction this summer, the project would need to be bid in April.  Final construction plans will need to be completed.  PEC is the engineering firm that is completing the field check plans for this project.  To complete the final plans for the intersection they have submitted the attached scope & fee of $43,000 (original contract with PEC for field check plans for 19^th Street, from Naismith to Iowa was $178,000 with KU sharing the cost with the City 50/50).  Funding of the plans and construction would be from the infrastructure sales tax.

Action

Authorize Mayor to sign agreement for final design of the intersection at 19^th & Ousdahl Road with PEC in an amount of $43,000.