Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

Thomas M. Markus, City Manager

FROM:

Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works

CC:

Casey Toomay, Diane Stoddard, David Cronin

DATE:

March 23, 2016 – Updated 03/29/16

RE:

K-10 / E 1200 Road (Kasold) Intersection

 

Later this year (November 2016), the eastern leg of K-10 (SLT) will be completed and opened.  The SLT from US-59 east to K-10 is a 4-lane freeway that will have a speed limit posted at 70 mph.  At Iowa Street (Hwy-59) K-10 drops to the current/existing 2-lane section with a 65 mph posted speed limit.

 

KDOT has recognized that the existing K-10 (west leg) will need to be improved/widened to a 4-lane freeway section and is currently reviewing design concepts.  The widening of the west leg of K-10 is not funded for construction at this time.

 

During the review of the western leg of K-10 expansion, KDOT has held several public meetings and there are on-going discussions as to the improvements that will be needed at the current intersections of Clinton Parkway, E 1200 Road (Kasold), Wakarusa, and I-70.

 

In October 2015, the city/county sent a letter to KDOT representing the community’s position on the improvements for the widening of the west leg of K-10.

 

The city/county agreed at the time when the widening of the west leg of K-10 occurs the at-grade crossing/intersection at E 1200 Road (Kasold) would need to be closed for safety.

 

Upon further review of the impact of opening the eastern leg of the SLT, KDOT is concerned that leaving the E 1200 Road (Kasold) intersection open will be a safety concern and is proposing to let a project that would close this intersection this summer (2016).

 

On February 18, KDOT presented to the Lawrence/Douglas County MPO (see attached).  The safety issues include:

-        The ADT on K-10 will increase to 16,800 vehicles per day

-        The “do nothing” crash rate is predicted to increase to 3.1 crashes/year

 

KDOT has looked at a couple of short-term options including a right in/right out, and a closure/cul-de-sac of E 1200 Road (Kasold) (see attached).  KDOT has also looked into an overpass, underpass, and interchange for long-term solutions, but ruled out these options due to floodway and R/W impacts.  At this time KDOT is recommending proceeding with closure of the 1200 Road (Kasold)/K-10 intersection with cul-de-sacs on both the north and south sides of K-10.  This option provides the maximum safety benefit, is consistent with the ultimate configuration of 4-lanes, lowest cost, and can be accomplished this summer before the eastern leg will open.  KDOT has also decided to install a traffic signal at Hwy-59 and County Rd 458 to allow better access to those property owners that previously used E 1200 Road (Kasold). Attached is some information that KDOT has provided explaining the options reviewed / issues.

 

Frank Male, Lawrence Landscape, has submitted the attached alternative design that includes an interchange at E 1200 Road (Kasold)/K-10, and an extension of Wakarusa under to E 1200 Road (Kasold).  In the interim, until the western leg of K-10 is widened, Mr. Male is requesting a temporary signal at Kasold/E. 1200 Road (Kasold) and K-10 (attached alternative design and presentation) and reduction in speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph.

 

On Wednesday March 23, 2016, the County Commission considered this request.  The County Commission directed staff to prepare a letter to KDOT containing the following:

 

The Lawrence Douglas County MPO has been involved with reviewing KDOT’s presentation on these issues.  Staff would recommend that the City Commission consider sending this request to the MPO for review and recommendation.

 

Action

Receive presentation (updated 03/29/16) from Frank Male and direct staff as appropriate.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

CFS/ch