Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Casey Toomay, Brandon McGuire, Mark Thiel, David Cronin
DATE:	October 1, 2014
RE:	Irving Hill Road Bridge Improvements

Background

The Irving Hill Street Bridge is the main connection between the main University of Kansas Campus and West Campus.  Pedestrian volumes continue to increase with the construction of the new resident hall on Daisy Hill.  This connection is also a vital bicycle link in the City’s transportation Plan.

Project Description

The bridge improvements include replacing the 1960’s era 30-inch railing with today’s standard 54-inch railings and barrier curb separating pedestrians and motor vehicles.  The bridge will need to be widened for the sidewalks.  The new railings will feature KU signs and the outside girders will be repainted KU blue.

The project is anticipated to take 8-12 weeks depending on the weather.  As work progresses, lane closures on Iowa Street will be necessary as work is completed overhead.  KU has agreed that the lane closures can be restricted between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., similar to 6^th Street at Iowa Street.  As work progresses, one lane in each direction could be closed leaving one lane in each direction open.  All lanes will be open during events, holidays, game days and when work is not progressing overhead. 

The 23^rd & Iowa Street project will be open by the first of November.  There will continue to be work finishing sidewalks, backfill, clean-up, etc., but the street should be open.

Attached is a letter from the Chancellor, and plan sheets showing the improvements. 

Action

Approve traffic control plan for The University of Kansas to close lanes on Iowa Street for the Irving Hill Bridge Improvement Project, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., after the intersection at 23^rd and Iowa Street is open to traffic.