Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer

FROM:

Nicholas Voss, E.I.T., Project Engineer

CC:

Charles F. Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works

Mark Thiel, Assistant Director of Public Works

 

Date:

March 26, 2013

RE:

Project No. PW1202 – Wakarusa Drive - Research Parkway to Oread West

Set Bid Date

 

Please include the following item on the City Commission Consent Agenda for consideration at the April 2, 2013 meeting.

 

Project Description

This project is a complete reconstruction of Wakarusa Drive from Research Parkway Drive to Oread West Drive, excluding the intersection of Wakarusa Drive and Bob Billings Parkway (see attached location map), which has recently been reconstructed.  The project was designed in house by the Public Works Staff.  The project includes the removal of existing asphalt and replacement with 10" concrete on a flyash treated base.  The road will also be widened to allow for a left turn lane.  A bike lane and 6' sidewalk will be added on both sides of the street in line with the city's "Complete Streets" policy.  In addition, storm sewer, curb & gutter, and flashing yellow arrows will be installed on this project.

 

Public meetings were held last year with area businesses and residents.  The consensus last year was to delay the project from the summer of 2012 to the summer of 2013 to allow new businesses in the area to develop.  In March of 2013 two public meetings were held.  The first one was with affected businesses and residents, the second specifically for businesses in the Wakarusa Market Place area (the south east corner of Wakarusa and Bob Billings).  The consensus from these meetings was to complete the construction as soon as possible in front of the Wakarusa Market Place area (south of Bob Billings Parkway) to minimize the time that drive by traffic would be affected.  This could be done by constructing the project in two phases.  Phase One would include all of the work south of Bob Billings Parkway.  Phase Two would include all of the work to the North of Bob Billings Parkway.  Construction on Phase Two would not start until Phase One could be opened to through traffic.  Traffic will be maintained on Bob Billings Parkway for the duration of the project.  In addition to construction signage, local businesses have requested to be allowed to place temporary signage identifying their businesses and that they are open during construction. Staff is supportive and would recommend that they be allowed to place appropriate signs of community interest meeting the City’s temporary sign code through the duration of construction.

 

Project Funding

The estimated project cost is $1,000,000.  The project is being funded with General Obligation Bonds from resolution 6936.

 

Project Schedule

Advertise for bids: April 3, 2013

Bid date: April 16, 2013

Award Contract: April 23, 2013

Anticipated Start Date: May 20, 2013

Project Completion Date: August 16, 2013

               

Action Request

1. Set bid date of April 23, 2013 for PW 1202 (Wakarusa Drive - Research Parkway to Oread West)

2. Approve allowance of temporary signage for businesses during construction.