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:	27 November 2012
RE:	4 December 2012 City Commission Agenda Item CROSSWALK; Kasold Dr. between 27^th St. & 28^th St.

Background

On November 5, 2012, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to establish a CROSSWALK on Kasold Drive at 27^th Street. Under current traffic conditions a CROSSWALK should operate adequately; however, as traffic volumes increase, the potential for crashes will be higher with a marked CROSSWALK than one that is unmarked, unless additional controls such as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is provided.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, one member of the public spoke in support of the request noting that there are a lot of residents on the east side of Kasold that use the trail on the west side that connects Iowa Street with Clinton Lake, including one person in a wheelchair.  A motion to recommend establishing a MID-BLOCK CROSSWALK between 27^th St. & 28^th St. and to plan for construction of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon in the near future carried, 5-1, with one member opposed who didn’t think it would make crossing the street any safer.   (see attached meeting materials)

Funding

The estimated cost for signing and marking the crosswalk is $1,200 and can be accommodated within the department budget. The estimated cost for curb ramps and the median cut is $15,000 and can be accommodated within the department budget. This work can be accomplished during the 2013 construction season.

The estimated cost for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is $45,000 and is not currently funded; it will be added to the list of unfunded projects.

Action Request

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