Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Municipal Services and Operations

TO:	Tom Markus, City Manager
CC:	Brandon McGuire, Assistant to the City Manager Dave Wagner, Director
FROM:	Amanda Sahin, Engineering Program Manager Jessica Mortinger, Transportation Planning Manager
DATE:	April 16, 2019
RE:	Grant for Improvements to Pedestrian Crossings at 11^th and New Hampshire

Project Description

Lawrence Municipal Services and Operations (MSO) staff have applied for grant funding through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Community Challenge 2019. The annual grant awards funding to community-based “quick-action” projects intended to improve livability for residents of all ages. In the application the city seeks $15,000 to install DezignLine Curb Rails at the crosswalk of 11th and New Hampshire Street. If awarded, the project will improve the intersection by shortening crossings and repairing degraded retroreflective pavement markings. This project will provide a basis to gauge the effectiveness of improvements to pedestrian crossings.

The proposed project offers a traffic calming measure which constricts traffic without impeding the general flow of auto travel. Slower speeds and a reduction in pedestrian/auto interaction benefits the community by increasing driver awareness, leading to increased pedestrian comfort levels and more healthy, livable, and equitable access near downtown. Introducing curb rails provides a barrier between pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Bolts secure the rails to the pavement to form curb extensions functioning as intersection bump-outs - reducing crosswalk distances for pedestrians. The graphic below displays the rail curb bump outs.

The rails can be permanent or temporary, movable equipment. Meaning, not only will the curb rail be protective, but its modular composition allows relocation of the device to other locations if this location has more permanent improvements constructed at a later date. This intersection was selected because it forms a connection for residents south of downtown to essential services and recreational activities. This intersection services approximately 450 pedestrians per day, and more than 9,000 automobiles traveling east and west along 11^th Street, and 3,800 southbound on New Hampshire.

The City will match the grant with in-kind expenses incurred by City streets crews placing temporary traffic controls and installing the improvements. Estimated installation time is 4 hours with 6 people. Municipal Services and Operations street maintenance budget will cover the cost for staff, equipment, and traffic control. Expenses required for repair and maintenance of this infrastructure will impact future operations and maintenance budgets.

Successful projects require a binding Memorandum of Understanding and completed vendor forms to AARP by July 15, 2019 and completion by November 4, 2019. If the city’s application is approved, staff will recommend the Commission’s acceptance of the grant at a future meeting.