Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer
CC:	Cynthia Wagner, Diane Stoddard, Chuck Soules, Mark Thiel
Date:	June 5, 2012
RE:	Project PW1202: Wakarusa Drive - Research Park Way to Oread West. Street Reconstruction and Geometric Improvements

Please include the following item on the City Commission Consent Agenda for consideration at the June 12, 2012 meeting.

Project Description

The project scope is to reconstruct 1300' of Wakarusa Drive from Research Park Way to 300' north of Oread West and tie into the existing intersection of Bob Billings Parkway on both the north and south.  The intersection of Wakarusa and Bob Billings Parkway was reconstructed in 2002 with concrete and is in good condition.  The project includes the removal of existing asphalt and replacement with 10" concrete on a flyash treated base.  The road will be widened from 4 - 12' lanes to 5 - 11' lanes to accommodate a center two-way left turn lane.  Bike lanes and sidewalk will be added on each side in-line with the city's "Complete Streets" policy.  The project also includes new storm sewer, curb and gutter, and ADA concrete access ramps.  Traffic signal improvements include an additional traffic signal head for north and south bound traffic and flashing yellow arrows for the left turn lanes on Wakarusa Drive.

Construction is expected to take approximately 10 weeks if Wakarusa is closed to through traffic on both sides of Bob Billings Parkway.  Eastbound and westbound traffic will be maintained on Bob Billings Parkway throughout the project.  If completed in one phase (as a full closure of Wakarusa), traffic would be detoured on Research Park Way and Legends Drive.  All adjacent properties would have access to Wakarusa and/or Bob Billings Parkway and directional business signage would be installed to assist trip destinations. 

Project Funding

Engineering design and preparation of plans and construction documents were performed in-house by city staff.  The project is in the 2012 capital improvement plan budget, funded with $1 million of General Obligation Bonds from Resolution 6936.

Project Schedule

Plans are complete and the current project schedule would bid the project June 26, 2012 with construction beginning in July, continuing through August and likely into September.

Business owners in the Wakarusa Market Place (southeast corner of Wakarusa & Bob Billings intersection) have voiced a concern about the timing of the project.  Their concern is the complex has several new businesses trying to become established and existing businesses counting on drive by traffic with the influx of students in August.  The preferred course of action for businesses in the Wakarusa Market Place complex would be to complete the project next summer, from late May (after graduation weekend) to an August 1 completion date.  The consensus from business owners in the area is closing Wakarusa is acceptable if it completes the project as quick and efficient as possible.

Action Request

Authorize staff to defer bidding the project to Spring 2013 with construction from late May to August 1, 2013.

Attachment: Project Location Map