Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

Traffic Engineering Division

TO:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
CC:	Mark Thiel, Asst. Director of Public Works David Cronin, City Engineer
Date:	15 January 2013
RE:	22 January 2013  City Commission Agenda Item TRAFFIC CALMING; 27^th Street, Iowa Street to Louisiana Street

Background

On December 3, 2012, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to construct TRAFFIC CALMING devices on 27^th Street between Iowa Street & Louisiana Street. Traffic data collected by city staff found the overall 85^th percentile speed to be 38.1mph and the daily volume of traffic to be over 3300 vehicles per day; therefore, this location meets the criteria established by the city for consideration of traffic calming.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, two members of the public spoke in support of the request, including the chair of the Indian Hills Neighborhood Association. It was noted that this had been a concern of the neighborhood for over 10 years and that at a neighborhood open house attended by 78 residents, only 11 indicated that they wanted to leave the street as it is.  A motion to recommend approving the request for TRAFFIC CALMING on 27^th Street between Iowa Street & Louisiana Street carried unanimously.

Funding

Due to the length of the area (one mile), it is estimated that it will take approximately six (6) traffic calming devices averaging approximately $15,000 each, for a total of approximately $90,000, to address the concerns in the area. Although no funding is currently available for traffic calming, this project will be prioritized and added to the list of approved projects awaiting funding. Based on the city’s ranking system, this project would rank #1 city-wide for traffic calming funding.

Action Request

It is recommended that the City Commission concur with the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission, if appropriate.