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:	David Cronin, City Engineer
Date:	24 July 2012
RE:	14 August 2012 City Commission Agenda Item 18^th St. & Kentucky St. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (formerly HAWK)

Background

On June 4, 2012, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (formerly HAWK) on Kentucky Street at 18^th Street (see attached map of area). During 2011, the city and the school district constructed a sidewalk along the south side of 18^th Street between Tennessee Street and Vermont Street which allowed students to walk to Cordley School along 18^th Street instead of 19^th Street.  A School Crossing Study was conducted last spring and found that this location met the city’s criteria for consideration of an adult crossing guard; however, since adult guards are only in place for a short time before and after school, a pedestrian hybrid beacon was requested to cover students and other pedestrians at other times of the day, on weekends and when school is not in session.  The city has not established warrants for pedestrian hybrid beacons; however, two (2) previous requests at school crossings were approved and funded:  11^th Street between New York Street & New Jersey Street and Peterson Road just east of Arrowhead Drive.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, one (1) member of the public spoke in support of the request and two individuals provided e-mail correspondence supporting the request; no one appeared and spoke in opposition to the request.  It was noted that there have been a number of close calls, especially when a vehicle in the near lane stops for pedestrians, but vehicles in the far lane don’t. In addition, many of the elementary students are not tall enough to see oncoming traffic over a stopped vehicle or to be seen by drivers in the other lane. A motion to recommend approval of the request carried unanimously, 8-0.

It is estimated that the cost to obtain the equipment and have it installed is approximately $25,000-$30,000, there are not funds specifically budgeted in the 2012 or 2013 budgets for this installation. If the City Commission approves, it will be added to the list of traffic safety devices pending funding (attached)

Action Request

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