Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

 

TO:

Mike Wildgen

 

FROM:

Chuck Soules

 

CC:

Dave Corliss, Debbie Van Saun, Terese Gorman, David Woosley, Linda Finger

 

Date:

October 13, 2004

 

RE:

2004 Intersection Improvement Priorities

 

Attached is the 2004 Intersection Improvement Priorities list prepared by the Public Works Department, Traffic Engineering Division.  The intersections were evaluated based on crashes, warrants, and volume. (http://www.lawrencepublicworks.org/pdf/intersection-priorities-04.pdf)

 

Comments on projects:

 

Priority #1 and #2:  Wakarusa and Harvard, Inverness/Legends. 

These two intersections should be evaluated for the appropriate improvement (roundabout/signal).

 

Priority #3:  15th Street and Wakarusa

This intersection has dedicated left turn lanes in all directions.  Therefore, since the geometrics are complete, staff is recommending a signal at this location.  The estimated construction cost for signal installation is $200,000. 

 

Priority #4:  15th Street and Engel Road

This intersection is complicated due to the fact that sight distance is limited because it is located near the top of a hill.   Additionally, pedestrian traffic is significant in the area.  Improvements to the intersection would include the realignment/relocation of the intersection to improve sight distance.  KU would need to be a partner in this project.  However, KU recently reconstructed the south leg of the intersection and would probably not want to participate in another project.  Therefore, this improvement may be several years into the future.  

 

Priority #5:  McDonald Drive and Rockledge Road

This intersection will require KTA participation, which is not available at this time.

 

Priority #6:  Kasold Drive and Peterson Road

This is currently being designed as a benefit district project with City participation of 60% (based on traffic volumes).   Estimated City cost will be approximately $180,000.  A traffic signal was the determined improvement for this location.  Total estimated project cost is $300,000.

 

 

Priority #7 and #8:  31st and Louisiana/Haskell

The County Commission is currently looking at improvements to both of these intersections.

 

The 2004 Intersection Improvement Priorities information was reviewed by the Traffic Safety Commission in September (Item No. 4; minutes attached) and recommended that the City proceed with the design and improvements at Bob Billings Parkway and Wakarusa Drive, and evaluation and design of improvements at Harvard and Wakarusa and Inverness/Legends and Wakarusa.

 

Action Requested:        Receive report and provide direction regarding how the Commission desires to proceed with intersection improvement projects.  These projects were part of the 2004 CIP budget and if approved, would be funded with bonds

 

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

Attachments