Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works Department

TO:	Charles Soules, Public Works Director
FROM:	Jake Barnes, Right-of-Way Coordinator
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Mark Thiel, David Cronin,  Tarik Khatib, Mark Bradford
DATE:	April 1, 2014
RE:	Request an additional extension of the use of right-of-way and closure of the northbound lane of New Hampshire, from 9th Street South to the Arts Center for the remainder of the 900 building project or December 31st– Marriott Towne Place, Project Number PW1328

Background

On September 24, 2013, the City Commission approved the closure of the northbound lane of New Hampshire Street 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 Street from 9^th Street to the Arts Center through March 1, 2014.

On January 14, 2014, the City Commission approved the full closure of New Hampshire Street from 9^th Street to the Arts Center’s crosswalk through March 31, 2014.

Current Request

First Construction, Inc. is now requesting to maintain a northbound lane closure on New Hampshire Street from the Arts Center to 9th Street for the remainder of the project or December 31, 2014, whichever comes first.

The traffic control plan that would be utilized for the additional closure time is the same as previously submitted for the October 22, 2014 through March 1, 2014 closure with the addition of the Loading and Unloading Zone signs on the west side of New Hampshire Street north of the Arts Center. Police and Fire Medical access will be as previously approved with a minimum open width of 26 feet and accessible from 9^th Street. (See maps) 

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 supports the development at 9^th Street and New Hampshire Street, and appreciates the agreement to have both lanes open by the end of the day prior to and for the duration of their upcoming events April 11-13, May 29-31, and June 24-29. The Arts Center still remains concerned about their visibility and access for the duration of construction and will have future requests for full street access on other occasions.

Action Requested

Consider an additional extension of the use of right-of-way and closure of the northbound lane of New Hampshire Street, from 9^th Street South to the Arts Center for the remainder of the 900 building project or December 31, 2014.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacob Barnes

Right-of-Way Coordinator