Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Mike Wildgen
FROM:	Chuck Soules
CC:	Dave Corliss, Debbie Van Saun, Terese Gorman, David Woosley
Date:	January 11, 2005
RE:	January 11, 2005 Agenda Item Kasold Drive, Peterson Road to KTA Bridge Project No. 36-CP12-704(S)

Please include the following item on the City Commission regular agenda for consideration at the January 11, 2005 meeting:

Project Description. Reconstruction of Kasold Drive from Peterson Road North to the KTA.  This section of Kasold Drive is currently a chip sealed street without curb and gutter, open ditches, and no sidewalks.  Current traffic volumes are 3,014 vehicles per day (vpd).  The estimated 2025 volumes are expected to reach 15,210 vpd.  The reconstruction project would include a multilane facility with adequate capacity to handle the 2025 volume, storm sewer, curb and gutter, and pedestrian facilities.  This is a principal arterial road and would include a 6 ft. sidewalk and a 10 ft. recreational path.

Project History.  The development of the northwest area will include the construction of Peterson Road from Kasold Drive to west of Monterey Way, and Monterey Way from Stetson Drive to Grand Vista Drive.  These roads are being constructed through a benefit district.  Due to the already established homes/neighborhoods along Kasold, the city determined not to construct Kasold through a benefit district.  The construction of Kasold Drive from Peterson Road north to the KTA has been in the City CIP since 1999.  The project was placed on the KDOT 5-Year Plan in April 2004, and approved. 

Project Status.   KDOT project schedule has the “Kasold North” project bidding January 2007.  However, in February 2006 the bridge over the KTA (on Kasold) will be bid and rebuilt (this is a joint project between the City, County and Kansas Turnpike Authority.)  It was/is staff’s intent to try to reconstruct “Kasold North” during this same time frame.  Constructing these projects essentially together could provide better bids, will be less inconvenient for the public, and easier to manage traffic.

It was staff’s intent to proceed quickly on this project and advance the state’s schedule; however, we need City Commission direction on the final design.  At this time we cannot be certain that the two projects will begin concurrently; however, it may still be possible to overlap some of the construction schedules.

Project Details.   Four initial concepts were developed:

Alt. A:  Five 12’ lanes with no median.

Alt. B:  Four 11’ lanes with grass medians with traditional intersections.

Alt. C:  Four 11’ lanes with grass medians and double lane roundabout intersections.

Alt. D:  Two 12’ lanes with grass medians and single lane roundabout intersections.

- An open house was held on November 18, 2003 to receive input from neighboring residents (over 400 notices were sent to property owners in the area).

- Over 50 people attended the meeting, and several others have sent e-mails after looking at the website.  Hutton Farms sent a letter requesting direct left-turn access.

- A web site was established at http://www.lawrencepublicworks.org/annc-kasold-north.shtml

- A questionnaire was provided at the open house for comments.

In general, most people preferred the lower capacity facilities, grassed/landscaped areas (medians) and desired full access to all intersecting streets.  Of those submitting written comments/questionnaire, Alternate D was preferred.

- As a result of the comments received, two additional alternatives were developed to provide access to more of the intersecting streets.  Alternate E is a modified Alternate D with access at Tillerman Drive and Huntington Road.  Alternate F includes three 12’ wide lanes, one through lane in each direction,  and a center turn lane.  This is similar to Peterson Road from Kasold Drive to North Iowa.  Access is provided to all intersecting streets.

- Each alternate has its advantages and disadvantages and disadvantages which can be reviewed at http://www.lawrencepublicworks.org/annc-kasold-north.shtml

Project Funding.  This project is being funded 80% of the construction and inspection costs by KDOT and 20% by the City.  The City is also responsible for 100% of the engineering, right of way, and utility relocation (if necessary).  The City’s portion would be financial through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds.

The construction estimates were based on asphalt pavement; however, as we saw with Kasold from 15^th to 23^rd, concrete pavement would add approximately 10% ($75,000 +) to the cost of pavement.

In September 2004 PEC (Professional Engineering Consultants) was hired to complete the design of a 5-lane section for Kasold from Peterson to the KTA.  Due to requests for multiple alternatives to be considered, we anticipate a modification to the engineering/design agreement.

Staff Recommendation.  Kasold is a principal arterial.  Capacity needs to be preserved.  A safe facility for motorists and pedestrians/cyclists needs to be constructed.  This area has adjacent neighborhoods and the residents have expectations on access to their homes.  Recently Hutton Farms was completed and their access is important to their business, and their entrance location was approved.

I would submit for City Commission consideration one final alternative:  A modified Alternate F which would include a roundabout at the intersection of Grand Vista Drive.  This alternate would have the following attributes:

•  3-lane section that provides the access that adjacent areas expect, has capacity for 2025 volumes (except at the intersection of Grand Vista Drive), the most economical in terms of initial construction cost, and is a similar road section to other streets in this area.

• To handle the future capacity/congestion issues at Grand Vista Drive a single lane roundabout could be installed.  This would also slow vehicles coming over the bridge (and at this time, into the city).

• The three-lane section provides less pavement to maintain and, therefore, less runoff.

• The calming/residential feel that has been discussed with the inclusion of a median is not provided; however, there is sufficient right-of-way to include some landscaping behind the curb and gutter potentially with some berms and trees and could include a meandering recreational path and sidewalk (sight distances at intersections and crossings would need to be carefully considered).

Action Request.  Pending City Commission discussion and public comment provide direction as to which alternative the Commission would like to develop.