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, New Hampshire Street between 10^th Street & 11^th Street, Mid-block Crosswalk

Background

At the June 2 Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the Commission heard a request to establish a MID-BLOCK CROSSWALK on New Hampshire Street between 10^th Street and 11^th Street. There are currently mid-block pedestrian crossings in the 600, 800 and 900 blocks of New Hampshire Street. Mid-block crossings can be an asset for pedestrians if bulb-outs are constructed to shorten the crossing distance and provide good visibility of pedestrians. Staff determined that it would be necessary to remove approximately 10 on-street parking spaces to provide a sufficient bulb-out and drainage around the bulb-out. Another option would be to provide drainage through the bulb-out which would only require the removal of approximately four (4) on-street parking spaces.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the person that submitted the request addressed the Commission in support of the request. He noted the removal of parking at this time was not acceptable; however, he wanted to start the conversation so that it can be considered when this block of New Hampshire Street redevelops and there is more pedestrian traffic. The Commission indicated that it appeared to be a good idea whose time had not yet come. The Commission recommended on a vote of 8-0 to recommend denying the request to establish a MID-BLOCK PEDESTRIAN CROSSING on New Hampshire Street between 10^th Street and 11^th Street.

Action Request

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