Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Charles Soules, Public Works Director
FROM:	Jake Barnes, Right-of-Way Coordinator
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Mark Thiel, David Cronin,  Scott McCullough, Tarik Khatib, Mark Bradford
DATE:	January 14, 2014 (updated)
RE:	Request to close New Hampshire Street from 9th Street to the Arts Center  – Marriott Towne Place, Project Number PW1328

Background: On September 24, 2013 the City Commission approved the closure of the northbound lane of New Hampshire from 9^th Street to the Arts Center to allow the relocation and reconstruction of the storm sewer.  The storm sewer needed to be relocated to safely excavate the site for the below grade parking structure. 

On October 22, 2013 the City Commission approved the closure of the northbound lane of New Hampshire from 9^th Street to the Arts Center through March 1, 2014.

Current Request: The contractor is now requesting to be allowed to fully close New Hampshire Street from 9th Street to the Arts Center’s crosswalk until March 31, 2014 in order to unload trucks, set up a crane and install building materials. This work will consist of two phases. Phase one (added 01/14/14); the crane will be on the South end of the closure with fire access from the North. Phase two (added 01/14/14); the crane will be shifted to the North end with fire access from the South. (See Map)

The additional right-of-way closures will be for use of the crane only. The fence will be installed in a manner such that it can be removed in case of emergency or to accommodate downtown events and provide 26 feet of roadway for the length of the project if needed.

Police and Fire / Medical have been advised and are agreeable with the plan. Fire / Medical have requested a 26 foot open width, which has been accommodated from the beginning. This does require the continued prohibition of parking on the west side of the street to allow for emergency access. Access to area will be blocked by a portable type III barricade. The contractor will notify Fire prior to changing from phase one to phase two.

The East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, Lawrence Arts Center, and Downtown Lawrence, Inc. were notified of this item being discussed on the agenda. The Arts Center has requested signs on each end of the 900 Block of New Hampshire providing directions to the center. First Management has agreed to provide. The only concern expressed by the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association is that existing traffic control remains in place on Rhode Island.  Downtown Lawrence Inc. requested a No Through Traffic sign to be added at the South end of the alley behind the parking garage.

Action Requested: Pending Commission discussion, (1) Approve use of right-of-way and closure of New Hampshire, from 9^th Street south to the Arts Center crosswalk through March 31, 2014 per map, (2) Approve signs of community interest providing direction to the Arts Center.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacob Barnes

Right-of-Way Coordinator

Attachments:  Site Map