Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

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

 

CC:

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

 

Date:

August 15, 2012

 

RE:

Project PW1012 - Iowa Reconstruction - Irving Hill Overpass to Yale Rd.

Project update, right-of-way acquisition/vacation agreement with Immanuel Lutheran Church

 

Project Details

This project includes the complete reconstruction of Iowa Street from the Irving Hill overpass to Yale Road (see attached plans).  Reconstruction includes full depth pavement removal and concrete replacement, curb and gutter, subgrade preparation, storm sewer and drainage improvements.  The improvement details include:

  • Two lanes north and southbound at 11’ wide
  • 12’ wide center turn lane
  • 6’ sidewalk on the west side and 6’ sidewalk on the east side from Harvard to University, and from 15th St. to the Irving Hill overpass
  • Intersection improvements at Bob Billings Parkway/15th Street to include dedicated right turn lanes in all directions, dual left turn lanes on north and southbound Iowa
  • Reconstruction of Bob Billings Parkway west of Iowa approximately 600’, including a 10’ shared-use path from Crestline to Iowa
  • Reconstruction of 15th Street east of Iowa approximately 500', including a dedicated right turn lane to Engel Road

 

Project Update

Utility relocations have been ongoing this year with anticipated completion in September.  Plans will be finished in October and the project bid in January 2013.  Construction is scheduled to start in February 2013 and be complete by December 2013.

 

A public meeting was held June 21st at Fire Station #5 to provide information and answer questions about the scope, construction schedule, access and traffic control.  The meeting was well attended by the neighbors and comments were favorable.   Residents and business fronting Iowa Street were ensured they have access throughout the project. A public information sheet was distributed at the meeting and is attached.

 

Two major traffic control and sequencing items were emphasized at the meeting:

1.  Traffic will be carried through the project for the entire duration but for the majority of the project (March to November) traffic will be one lane in each direction, while the roadway is constructed half at a time.  Additionally, no left turns will be permitted to/from Iowa Street from adjacent side streets and driveways.  2.  The intersection of 15th St/Bob Billings Parkway with Iowa Street will be closed to turning traffic from May 20th (day after KU graduation) until early August.  During this time, no traffic will be allowed to turn to/from Iowa St to either 15th St or Bob Billings Parkway.

 

Also in June, the University of Kansas Design & Construction Management office scheduled a meeting with City staff and the design consultant to meet with various departments on campus to discuss the project.  The main concern was access and informational signage for those coming to KU for school, camps and athletic events.  It was agreed upon that signed detours will direct traffic to two different campus gateways (11th & Mississippi or 19th & Naismith) depending on which direction they enter the city (from the turnpike area to north or 23rd St area to south).

 

Right-of-way and easement acquisition / Immanuel Lutheran Church agreement

Construction and pedestrian easements are needed for twenty-two tracts and acquisition is almost complete.  The total compensation for easements is approximately $25,000.

 

Right-of-way and easements are being donated from KU on the southwest corner of Iowa and Bob Billings.  KU has agreed to provide a construction easement at this location that will serve as the construction staging area.

 

Dedicated right-of-way along Iowa is needed for the Immanuel Lutheran Church property on the northwest corner of Iowa and Bob Billings Parkway to construct a southbound right-turn lane and new sidewalk.  To compensate the church for right-of-way acquisition, the city will vacate existing right-of-way along Bob Billings Parkway that is currently being used for an access drive.  The church is agreeable to the exchange and an agreement will be drafted between the city and the church.  The city will process the vacation of excess right-of-way and will schedule a vacation hearing upon execution of the agreement.

 

Action Request

Authorize City Manager to enter into agreement with property owner to acquire right-of-way in exchange of vacating existing right-of-way for improvements with the Iowa Street reconstruction project.