Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Public Works
|
TO: |
Chuck Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works |
|
FROM: |
David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer |
|
CC: |
Tom Markus, City Manager |
|
DATE: |
July 14, 2016 |
|
RE: |
PW1505 – Concept Study for Reconstruction of Kasold Drive from 6th Street to Bob Billings Parkway |
Background
Kasold Drive from 6th to Bob Billings was constructed in 1972 with reinforced concrete with no subgrade treatment. In 1987 a two inch asphalt overlay was placed on top of the concrete. The pavement has been milled and overlaid in 1994, 1998, 2005, and requires annual maintenance work. This section of pavement has a current PCI rating of 43.8 out of 100. The pavement has failed in many locations and maintenance is difficult. The curbs in many areas are missing and deteriorated to gravel.
In 2007 Kasold Drive from Bob Billings Parkway to 22nd Street was reconstructed with 10" of concrete on a treated base. In 2011 Kasold Drive from Clinton Parkway to 31st was reconstructed with 10" of concrete on a treated base. This proposed project will be similar to the projects that have taken place on Kasold including a full reconstruction of the street with treated subgrade, concrete pavement, curb and gutter, storm sewer, waterline, center turn lane, sidewalks on both sides, bicycle facilities and landscaping.
In November 2014 public works staff was authorized to solicit qualifications and proposals for the reconstruction of Kasold and CFS Engineers was recommended as the design engineer. The City Commission approved an engineering services agreement to begin study of the corridor in February 2015. The engineering design for this project was split into two phases; a concept study and design plans. The concept study includes collection of traffic counts, survey, and geotechnical information in addition to receiving public input through both public meetings and the creation of a project website. The objective of the concept study was to get direction on improvements including lane configuration, intersection control, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities before beginning design plans.
Concept Study: Traffic counts and Design Options
Upon review of the existing traffic counts and historical traffic counts it was noted that traffic on Kasold has remained steady since the area was fully developed in 1995 with an average 24-hour traffic volume slightly under 15,000 vehicles per day (vpd). With a moderate growth rate of 0.5% per year the future 2040 traffic count would be approximately 16,500 vpd. Following completion of the traffic counts and reviewing historical traffic data, two different concepts were developed:
Intersection Control: Kasold and Harvard
The existing intersection of Kasold and Harvard is a skewed 4-way stop. The south leg of the intersection is used as a school crossing with guard for children crossing Kasold. There are three options for intersection control: 4-way stop, roundabout or traffic signal.
A 4-way stop is not recommended due to the traffic volumes, geometric alignment and driver expectations for an arterial street. The intersection has an above average crash history and the city can use $400,000 in Highway Safety Improvement Program Funds from KDOT for a roundabout. A single-lane roundabout would be adequate for existing and future traffic volumes and also fit within the existing right-of-way. A dual-lane roundabout (included with the 5-lane street option) is not recommended due to the excessive size and right-of-way/property acquisition that would be required. A traffic signal would be recommended for the 5-lane street option but not the 3-lane street option, as one-lane of traffic each direction would increase delays on Kasold during the stop condition.
Intersection Control: Kasold and 8th Street
The existing intersection of Kasold and 8th Street is a 3-way stop. There are several options that have been identified: maintain 3-way stop, single-lane roundabout, traffic signal, stop sign on 8th with a pedestrian hybrid beacon for crossing Kasold, or potentially restricting turns to right-in/right-out only on 8th Street. After reviewing right-of-way constraints and receiving public comment a roundabout is not recommended. Any of the other options can be implemented with either the 5-lane or the 3-lane option. Each option has its pros and cons with traffic flow and delays for both Kasold and 8th Street. Staff recommends installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
Project Cost and Funding
The project has a design and construction budget of $5,350,000 to be funded with infrastructure sales tax funds.
Project Schedule
|
Concept Study: |
Spring 2015 - Summer 2016 |
|
Engineering Design Plans: |
Fall 2016 - Winter 2016 |
|
Construction: |
2017/2018 |
Staff Recommendation
After thorough research and consideration, staff recommends reconstruction of Kasold with the Complete Streets 3-lane option. The option will improve traffic flow, handle capacity for future growth, increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, and reduce city construction costs by approximately $1,000,000. The complete streets option also considers the particular context sensitive street segments of this part of Kasold. The transition to the 3-lane segments would occur after the driveways of the commercial areas at the ends of the project with the single-lane used in the residential segment of the street between 14th Street and 8th Street. The single-lane configuration with a roundabout at Harvard will handle the future traffic volumes, decrease the speed of traffic through the residential area and decrease vehicular travel times. The construction cost savings could be applied to extending the project limits north of 6th Street for the inclusion of bicycle/pedestrian facilities along Kasold from 6th Street to Peterson Road, estimated at $250,000.
The traffic study and concept study were provided to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as roadway reconfigurations are a focus area. FHWA Staff and their consultant reviewed the traffic study and concept plans and agree that the Complete Streets option is a feasible alternative, correspondence attached.
Following direction on the preferred lane configuration, staff would work with CFS Engineers to negotiate scope and fee to begin design plans. The construction phasing and schedule would be evaluated with the preferred design option and brought back to the city commission at a future date. It will be the objective of staff to maintain traffic on Kasold throughout the duration of the project.
Action Request
Direct staff to proceed with recommended option and begin negotiations of scope and fee for design plans.
Attachments