Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David Cronin, City Engineer
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
DATE:	June 15, 2016
RE:	Traffic Safety Commission, Haskell Avenue Pedestrian Crossing

Background

At the May 2, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the Commission heard a request for a PEDESTRIAN CROSSING on Haskell Avenue at 16^th Street (see attached).  Haskell Avenue is classified as a “minor arterial” street, paved approximately 30 feet wide and a posted speed limit of 30 mph. The most recent traffic count found approximately 8,000 vehicles per day on Haskell Avenue; and, a gap study found that during the peak hour of traffic, there were 0-3 adequate gaps in traffic during each 5-minute period, significantly less than the desirable 5 adequate gaps during each 5-minute period. The nearest controlled crossings on Haskell Avenue are at 15^th Street, approximately 1200 feet north of 16^th Street; and, 19^th Street, approximately 1300 feet south of 16^th Street. The current bus stop is on the west side of Haskell Avenue. A comprehensive study of approximately 2000 crosswalks nationwide found that under existing traffic conditions, there is no statistical difference in the crash rate of a marked vs. unmarked crosswalk; therefore, it is recommended that a pedestrian crossing be established at this location only if additional traffic control, such as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon or Pedestrian Refuge Island is included.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, two (2) individuals from the public addressed the Commission in support of the request.  It was noted that residents of the Housing Authority have a really hard time crossing Haskell Avenue to catch the bus; and, that over 25% of the tenants are elderly and disabled. In addition, individuals have missed appointments because they couldn’t get across the street in time to catch the bus. The Commission, on a unanimous vote of 8-0, recommended establishing a PEDESTRIAN CROSSING with a PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON on Haskell Avenue at 16^th Street.

Funding

This project is currently unfunded; however, it may be eligible for CDBG funding together with Public Works Department funding within the existing budget.

Action Request

It is recommended that the City Commission concur with the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission to establish a PEDESTRIAN CROSSING with a PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON on Haskell Avenue at 16^th Street.