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, 23^rd Street & Tennessee Street, Southbound “No Left Turn”

Background

At the June 2 Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the Commission heard a request to establish a NO LEFT TURN restriction on southbound Tennessee Street at 23rdt Street during specified hours. During the past three (3) years, there have been five (5) reported crashes at the intersection involving southbound left-turning vehicles; however, only two (2) of those occurred during peak traffic times. Several years ago, a NO LEFT TURN restriction 7-9am and 4-6pm Mon-Fri was established on 23^rd Street at Ohio Street, Tennessee Street, Vermont Street and New Hampshire Street.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the person that make the request addressed the Commission in support of the request, noting that there have been times when she couldn’t get to her driveway because of the back-up of traffic. A member of the Commission asked if Tennessee Street was wide enough to mark separate left-turn and right-turn lanes; however, the street I only 30 feet wide which isn’t sufficient. The Commission recommended, on a vote of 8-0, to recommend establishing NO LEFT TURN 7-9AM and 4-6PM MON-FRI on southbound Tennessee Street at 23^rd Street.

Action Request

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