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:	11 June 2013
RE:	18 June 2013 City Commission Agenda Item 55MPH SPEED LIMIT on 23^rd Street

Background

On May 29, 2013, the new traffic signal on 23^rd Street at O’Connell Road was activated and a temporary 55MPH SPEED LIMIT was posted between Franklin Road and the current 45mph Speed Limit at FF Street in the Farmland Plat. The current established speed limit in this area is 65mph (see attached map).

Details

Currently, the speed limit on 23^rd Street (K-10) as you enter Lawrence from the east reduces from 65mph to 45mph at FF Street in the Farmland Plat.  Generally, it is desirable to reduce speed limits in 10mph increments as you enter an urban area from a rural area. In addition, a new traffic signal was just constructed and activated at the approximate mid-point between FF Street and Franklin Road. Staff recommends that the speed limit be reduced from 65mph to 55mph between Franklin Road and FF Street so that there is an incremental reduction from 65mph to 55mph to 45mph. This has been discussed with the Kansas Department of Transportation, since 23^rd Street is also designated as K-10, and KDOT has no objection to this reduction.

Action Request

It is recommended that the City Commission adopt on first reading, Ordinance No. 8874, establishing a 55MPH SPEED LIMIT on 23^rd Street between FF Street and Franklin Road.