Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

Traffic Engineering Division

TO:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
CC:	David Cronin, City Engineer
Date:	20 August 2012
RE:	18^th St. & Kentucky St. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (formerly HAWK)

Background

On June 4, 2012, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request from Sharon Ashworth, 1714 Mississippi Street, for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (formerly HAWK) on Kentucky Street at 18^th Street. During 2011, the city and the school district constructed a sidewalk along the south side of 18^th Street between Tennessee Street and Vermont Street which allowed students to walk to Cordley School along 18^th Street instead of 19^th Street.  A School Crossing Study was conducted last spring and found that this location met the city’s criteria for consideration of an adult crossing guard; however, since adult guards are only in place for a short time before and after school, a pedestrian hybrid beacon was requested to cover students and other pedestrians at other times of the day, on weekends and when school is not in session. This project has the support of Lawrence Public Schools.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, one (1) member of the public spoke in support of the request and two individuals provided e-mail correspondence supporting the request; no one appeared and spoke in opposition to the request.  It was noted that there have been a number of close calls, especially when a vehicle in the near lane stops for pedestrians, but vehicles in the far lane don’t. In addition, many of the elementary students are not tall enough to see oncoming traffic over a stopped vehicle or to be seen by drivers in the other lane. A motion to recommend approval of the request carried unanimously, 8-0.

City Commission Action

At the August 7, 2012 City Commission meeting, this request was approved as part of the Consent Agenda, subject to available funding.

Action Request

It is estimated that the cost to obtain the equipment and have it installed is approximately $25,000-$30,000. It is recommended that $30,000 be allocated from the Capital Improvement Reserve Fund, if appropriate.