Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works Department

TO:	Charles Soules, Public Works Director
FROM:	Nicholas Voss
CC:	Mark Thiel, David Cronin
Date:	October 30, 2013
RE:	Project PW1341: Wakarusa Drive, Oread West Drive to north of Legends /Inverness Drive

Please include the following item on the City Commission Consent Agenda for consideration at the November 05, 2013 meeting.

Project Description

Wakarusa Drive is proposed to be reconstructed next year as a 2014 Capitol Improvement Project.  Construction limits include north of Oread West Drive, where 2013 construction ended, through the intersection of Legends/Inverness Drive (see attached photo).  This section of Wakarusa has high rutting, localized areas of raveling, base failures, and significant curb & gutter deterioration.  City staff is proposing this section of Wakarusa Drive be reconstructed with 10" concrete on a flyash treated base with a two way left turn lane, curb & gutter, storm sewer, bike lanes, & sidewalk on each side of the roadway (see attached map). 

Wakarusa & Legends/Inverness Drive

As part of this project the intersection of Wakarusa Drive & Inverness/Legends Drive would be reconstructed.  Options for the intersection include a roundabout, a traffic signal, or replacing the existing four way stop. Existing traffic meets the conditions to warrant a traffic signal or roundabout.  City staff is recommending a roundabout at this location for the following reasons; it would reduce the speeds of motorists, a roundabout would increase safety for drivers, bicycles, and pedestrians at this intersection, and it is in line with the city's compete streets policy.  A roundabout would also provide the highest level of service at this intersection because of their ability to efficiently move traffic and avoid driver delays (see attached layout).  The cost to construct a roundabout would also be less than the cost of a traffic signal.  The estimated cost of a roundabout is $350,000, while the estimated cost of a traffic signal is $500,000.  If a roundabout is chosen for this intersection right of way and pedestrian easement would need to be acquired.  Traffic on Wakarusa Drive would remain open to through traffic throughout the duration of the project.  Traffic on Inverness/Legends Drive would need to be temporarily detoured.

Project Cost/Funding

Plans are being designed in house by city staff.  The estimated project cost is $2,350,000 and will be funded by infrastructure sales tax.

Project Schedule

Design Plans: Winter 2013

Advertise and Bid: Spring 2014

Construction: Summer/Fall 2014

Action Request

Pending city commission discussion, proceed with project design on Wakarusa Drive PW1341 and receive city commission recommendation on intersection improvements to Wakarusa Drive, Inverness/Legends Drive.