Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Chuck Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director of Planning & Development Services
FROM:	David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer
DATE:	March 21, 2016
RE:	Request for Qualifications/Proposals – Construction of Queens Road from 6th Street to the north city limits including intersection improvements at 6th & Queens Road.

Background

Queens Road north of 6th Street is an unimproved county road in the city limits but not built to city street standards.  Development in the surrounding area warrant the improvement of Queens Road for increasing traffic volumes and reliable emergency access.  Public improvement plans are currently being developed for the LINKS addition that include extension of Rock Chalk Drive east to connect to Wakarusa at Queens Road.  In addition, staff is recommending making traffic signal improvements at the intersection of 6th & Queens Road with this project.  Branchwood Drive extension (the south approach to 6th & Queens) public improvements plans are under review and likely to proceed this year with development on the southwest corner.

The city budgeted $200,000 in 2016 for design costs and $2,000,000 in 2017 for construction costs; the approximate cost share for the existing neighborhood east of Queens Road that would be in the benefit district. 

Project Description

Queens Road is classified as a future collector street from 6th to Wakarusa and a future arterial north of Wakarusa in the 2040 Transportation Plan.   Construction would include concrete pavement, waterline, storm sewer, sidewalks, bike facilities and landscaping.

Project Cost / Funding

The project will be funded through the formation of two benefit districts: one for Queens Road north of 6th Street and one for the signalization of the intersection of 6th & Queens Road.  The city will participate in costs that are assessed to the existing residents on the east side of Queens.  The city participation is estimated to be $2,200,000 and those funds are identified in the 2016 & 2017 CIP.  The surrounding development would be incorporated into the remaining cost share of the benefit district.  The 6th & Queens Road intersection improvements would be 100% funded by those in the benefit district and 0% by the city at large.

Project Schedule

Consultant Interviews and Selection:	Summer 2016
Engineering Design and Construction Plans:	Fall/Winter 2016
Construction:	2017

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends improving Queens Road from 6th Street to the north city limits and the next step is to hire a consultant for the engineering design and construction plans (see attached project map).  Staff will work with bond counsel to develop the two benefit district boundaries for the project in conjunction with selection of a design consultant.

Action

If appropriate, authorize staff to solicit Qualifications/Proposals for the engineering design and construction plans for Queens Road improvement project.