[E-updates] Two alternatives to access businesses on 31st Street

[Lisa Patterson]

NEWS RELEASE	City of Lawrence, Kansas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2002
CONTACT:  Ed Ogle, Engineering Inspector
Public Works Department
(785) 832-3191

Two alternatives to access businesses on 31st Street

(LAWRENCE, KS) - A temporary traffic signal has been installed at 31st
Street and Ousdahl and will provide an opportunity for shoppers to
travel south on Ousdahl and then west on 33rd Street to the access road
that will lead them to the businesses along 31st Street.  The intention
is to move traffic into the businesses from eastbound 31st Street or
from 33rd Street.

If shoppers travel farther west than Ousdahl, they will need to use Iowa
Street to 33rd Street to the access road.  Temporary traffic control
devices will restrict left turns into the Pine Ridge Plaza from
westbound 31st Street during the construction of road improvements.  The
pavement striping and temporary lights are being put in place on Friday,
October 4.

The limiting of left turn lanes is a necessary step for safety as
traffic must be moved to one lane each direction to accommodate road
improvements to the north side of 31st Street.  By steering traffic to
enter the businesses from 33rd Street to the access road, drivers have
less chance of hindering the traffic flow of westbound 31st Street.  The
possibility of accidents occurring is increased when traffic is reduced
to one lane and left turns are permitted.

Drivers in the area of 31st Street are asked to be patient as road
improvements are underway and are asked to use additional caution in the
area.  Under no circumstances should drivers attempt to turn left
through the temporary barriers.

The temporary traffic configuration should be in use over the next six
weeks, weather permitting.

-END-


_____________________________
Lisa K. Patterson
Communications Coordinator
City of Lawrence
PO Box 708
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 832-3406
fax (785) 832-3405
lpatterson@ci.lawrence.ks.us
http://www.lawrenceks.org