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:

March 16, 2015

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 begin May 18 and completed by July 31, 2015.  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 a.m. and 4 p.m. similar to 6th 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 2015 KLINK project is on Iowa Street, north of 23rd Street to Irving Hill Road Bridge and south of Harvard Road to south of 6th Street.  The KLINK project will be a mill & overlay and will be done under traffic with “rolling” lane reductions/closures.  The work progresses rather quickly.  KU and the city have discussed that these projects can be conducted simultaneously.  We will coordinate the work and maintain traffic in one lane for each direction at all times.  The KLINK project will occur between June and mid-August.

 

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

 

Action

Pending City Commission discussion, approve traffic control plan for The University of Kansas to close lanes on Iowa Street for the Irving Hill Bridge Improvement Project, between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. beginning May 18 through July 31, 2015.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

CFS/ch

 

Attachments:  KU Letter

                   Plan Sheets

                   Pictures