Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David Cronin, City Engineer
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
DATE:	7 July 2014
RE:	Agenda Items 7/22/2014: Traffic Safety Commission, 18^th Street & Naismith Drive Crosswalk

Background

At the June 2 Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the Commission heard a request to mark a Crosswalk across the south leg of the intersection of 18^th Street & Naismith Drive. This intersection is on the border between City of Lawrence and University of Kansas jurisdiction. A nation-wide study of pedestrian crash rates at this type of crossing (raised median, < 15,000 vehicles per day, 3-8 lanes of traffic), found no significant difference in crash rates at marked crosswalks when compared to unmarked crossings. Staff recommended that if the request was approved, that the University of Kansas be responsible for installation and maintenance of the appropriate signs and markings.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, a representative of the University of Kansas spoke in support of the request. It was noted that a KU student was recently struck at this location and that the adjacent residence hall on the west side of the street houses over 500 students, while the bus stop is on the east side of the street. The Commission recommended, on a vote of 8-0, to recommend approval of the request to mark the crosswalk and that the University of Kansas be responsible for the installation and maintenance of signs and markings.

Funding

This crosswalk marking and associated signs will be installed and maintained by the University of Kansas.

Action Request

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