Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Mark Thiel, Assistant Director of Public Works
FROM:	David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer
CC:	Charles Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works
Date:	March 28, 2014
RE:	Project PW1208 - 23rd & Iowa Reconstruction & Geometric Improvements - Project Bid Letting and funding update

Please include the following item on the City Commission Agenda for consideration at the April 8, 2014 meeting.

Project Update

The 23rd & Iowa Geometric Improvement Project bid opening through KDOT was March 26, 2014 and two (2) bids were received, both over the Engineer's Estimate:

Amino Brothers Company	$3,736,377.44
King's Construction Company	$4,025.651.02
Engineer's Estimate	$2,719,918.50

The bid tabs won't be released until after the project is awarded, but in discussions with KDOT several items were assumed to be higher than estimated due to the eight construction sequences.  Work items such as pavement removal and replacement can cost more when contractors have to mobilize and remobilize equipment several times during a project.  Additionally, with the large number and scale of 2014 construction projects in Lawrence, area contractors will not be as competitive in their bids. 

Any changes to the scope or phasing of the plans will require the project to be rebid which would push construction into 2015.  The project has been designed to carry traffic through the intersection during construction and access to businesses will be maintained.  The construction phasing will be divided into eight (8) sequences:

· Sequence #1:  Medians/islands will be removed and Temporary signals and pavement will be installed.

o Traffic will be restricted on each approach to one thru-lane and one left-turn lane. 

· Sequences #2 – #5:  The west portions of the intersection pavement will be reconstructed.

o North/south Iowa Street traffic will be shifted to the east side of the intersection.

o East/west 23^rd Street traffic will be shifted periodically to facilitate construction.

· Sequences #6 – #8:  The east portions of the intersection pavement will be reconstructed.

o North/south Iowa Street traffic will be shifted to the west side of the intersection.

o East/west 23^rd Street traffic will be shifted periodically to facilitate construction.

Project Description

Proposed geometric improvements include dual left turn lanes for all approaches and reconfiguration of the free flow right turn lanes for west, south and north bound. In addition to reducing the queue lengths of the left turning traffic, the proposed dual left turn lanes will also improve through and right turning movements, especially during the morning and afternoon peak hours.  (see map)

This project will involve complete reconstruction of the intersection pavements and approaches with concrete. The remainder of the area within the project limit will be milled and overlaid with asphalt surfacing. The project will include removal and replacement of existing drainage structures, replacement of the traffic signal system, sidewalks, utility adjustments and aesthetic improvements including landscaping. 

Anticipated start date is May with a contract completion date to be open to unrestricted traffic by November 15, 2014.

Project Cost and Funding

Staff recommends budgeting an additional $1,000,000 in funds to cover the construction costs plus any change orders that may occur.  KDOT has agreed to contribute another $50,000 in 23rd Street Access Management funds.  The other $950,000 will come from city 2015 infrastructure sales tax funds to be reimbursed to KDOT in 2015.

Total project costs: $4,056,060.44

• Engineering Design Services: $181,836
• Temporary and Permanent Construction Easements: $137,847
• Construction Cost: $3,736,377.44

Proposed project funding totaling $4,250,000:

• $500,000 in KDOT Geometric Improvement funding
• $200,000 in federal highway safety improvement program funds
• $1,000,000 in KDOT funds negotiated through the 6th St/US 40 turnback agreement
• $100,000 in KDOT 23rd Street Access Management funds
• $500,000 in general obligation bonds
• $1,000,000 in infrastructure sales tax funds originally allocated in 2014
• Additional $950,000 in infrastructure sales tax funds to be paid in 2015

Action Items

Staff recommends the following:

• City Commission authorize KDOT to award the project to Amino Brothers Company;
• Allocate an additional $950,000 in infrastructure sales tax funds to pay for the balance of construction costs bringing total project funds to $4,250,000; and
• Authorize the Mayor to sign the city/state Local Public Authority Agreement for construction engineering inspection services for the 23rd & Iowa project, if appropriate.