Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Thomas Markus, City Manager
FROM:	Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Casey Toomay, David Cronin
DATE:	April 18, 2016
RE:	Award bid for Project No. PW1611 – 19^th Street & Ousdahl Road Intersection Improvements

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. 

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. 

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.  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 includes:

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

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

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

Bids were received on May 10, 2016:

VENDOR	TOTAL BID
Engineer’s Estimate	$869,202.50
R.D. Johnson Excavating Co., Inc.	$685,629.40
Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc.	$778,700.00
Kansas Heavy Construction LLC	$907,965.95
Freeman Concrete Construction, LLC	$1,003,513.90
Kissick Construction Company	$1,038,055.35

Action

Award bid to R.D. Johnson Excavating Co., Inc. for Project PW1611, 19^th Street & Ousdahl Road, Intersection Improvements in the amount of $685,629.40, provided the contractor can meet the terms established in the contract documents.