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:

28 November 2012

RE:

4 December 2012 City Commission Agenda Item

PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON, 10th St. & Connecticut St.

 

Background

On November 5, 2012, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request for SCHOOL CROSSING TRAFFIC CONTROL on Connecticut Street at 10th Street. Traffic data collected by city staff shows that there are insufficient gaps in traffic on Connecticut Street for pedestrians to safely cross at 10th Street during the time periods that students are walking to-and-from school. Based on insufficient gaps, the City’s School Crossing Control Policy would permit establishing an adult crossing guard at the intersection; however, the annual cost of adult guard is over $5,000 and the guards are only present for 45 minutes before school in the morning and 30 after school in the afternoon and only on school days. A PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON, like the one on 11th Street between New York Street & New Jersey Street is available for pedestrian use at all times.

 

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, two members of the public spoke in support of the request, including the principal of New York Elementary School, noting the difficulty that pedestrians have trying to cross Connecticut Street and advising that in the event of an evacuation, the Arts Center is the alternate site for the school.  A motion to recommend constructing a PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON at the intersection carried, 6-0. (see attached meeting materials)

 

Funding

The estimated cost for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is $40,000 and is not currently funded; however, staff will apply for CDBG funding during the next cycle.

 

Action Request

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