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:	12 November 2013
RE:	19 November 2013 City Commission Agenda Item Lawrence Avenue, Clinton Parkway to 31^st Street Speed Limit

Background

On October 7, 2013, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to establish a 25MPH SPEED LIMIT on Lawrence Avenue between Clinton Parkway & 31^st Street. Lawrence Avenue is classified as a collector street in a residential area. Traffic data collected September 19-20, 2013, found approximately 2875 vehicles in a 24-hour period and an 85^th percentile speed of 37.6mph. The nationally accepted standard for establishing speed limits is the 85^th percentile speed; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices states that the posted speed limit should be within 5mph of the 85^th percentile speed and state law states that speed limits should be based on an engineering and traffic investigation. Therefore, the data supports a speed limit of 35mph or 40 mph.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, one (1) resident spoke in favor of the request, noting that there are a lot of houses with driveways entering on Lawrence Avenue, and parking is permitted on both sides of the street which makes it difficult to see a dog or child running into the street. The resident also indicated that the request should have been for TRAFFIC CALMING instead of a 25MPH SPEED LIMIT. A motion to recommend denying the request for a 25MPH SPEED LIMIT on Lawrence Avenue between Clinton Parkway & 31^st Street carried, 8-0.

Action Request

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