Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Mark Thiel, Assistant Public Works Director
FROM:	David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer
CC:	Charles F. Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works David Woosley, P.E., City Transportation Engineer
DATE:	April 28, 2015
RE:	Application for FY 2018 Geometric Improvement Funding

Background

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) transportation plan, T-WORKS, includes a Geometric Improvement (GI) program that allocates funding throughout the state to address geometric deficiencies such as turn lanes on the City connecting links of the State Highway System (6^th Street/US 40, Iowa/US 59, North 2^nd/US 40/US 59, and 23^rd Street/K-10 in Lawrence). The primary objective of this program is to improve roadway capacity/traffic flow and safety along the city connecting links of the State Highway system.

The GI program is very competitive and award decisions are made based on factors such as traffic impacts, system preservation impacts, safety and local match/contribution. This is based on 80/20 cost sharing – 80% maximum state funding and 20% minimum city match. For cities with population between 50,000 and 99,999 (Lawrence population: 90,000), the state participation would be capped at $1,000,000 (max.). Cost of Engineering Design, Construction Plans and Construction engineering/inspection, right of way and utilities are considered eligible project costs.

In 2011, the City of Lawrence received $500,000 (from FY 2014 GI program) for improvements at the intersection of 23^rd and Iowa Streets.

Project Selection

With the anticipated 2016 completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT), including the addition of an interchange at 31^st Street and Haskell Avenue, improvements at 23^rd Street and Haskell Avenue are recommended (see attached map).  After the SLT is completed the city/state will discuss a turnback agreement for 23^rd Street to come off the state highway system as K-10.  Allocation of funds for improvements at 23^rd Street and Haskell Avenue prior to the turnback agreement would be beneficial as 23^rd Street will no longer be eligible for GI funds in the future.

Recommended improvements at 23^rd Street and Haskell Avenue include reconstruction with concrete pavement, the addition of westbound and eastbound dedicated right turn lanes on 23^rd Street, and widening Haskell Avenue south of the intersection to accommodate widening Haskell Avenue in the future.  Additional improvements include new traffic signals, storm sewer improvements and ADA compliant sidewalk ramps.

Total estimated cost of this project is $1.76 million. With $1,000,000 from GI funding, the city will need to contribute $760,000 to complete this project.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends reconstruction of the 23^rd Street and Haskell Avenue intersection for FY2018 Geometric Improvement Funding Application with an estimated construction cost of $1.76 million; $760,000 would be city contribution.  The estimates are very preliminary and actual total project cost will vary depending on factors and conditions unknown at this stage of the project development, including acquisition of additional right-of-way or easements.

Project Schedule

The applications are due May 29, 2015 and it is anticipated that the funding decision will be made by KDOT in late summer. If approved, the plans could be developed in-house with city staff in 2016.  Construction would likely occur in summer/fall of 2017.

Action Requested

If appropriate, authorize staff to submit FY 2018 Geometric Improvement Application for the reconstruction of the 23^rd Street and Haskell Avenue intersection, including geometric improvements.