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:

28 August 2013

RE:

3 September 2013 City Commission Agenda Item

Hilltop Drive south of Harvard Road

Bus Loading Zone

 

Background

On August 5, 2013, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to establish a BUS LOADING ZONE along the west side of Hilltop Drive from Harvard Road, north 600 feet, adjacent to Hillcrest Elementary School. Hilltop Drive is paved approximately 24 feet wide and parking is currently prohibited along the east side of the street 7am-5pm, Mon-Fri, from Harvard Road, north 500 feet.

 

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, a citizen representing Hillcrest Elementary School spoke in favor of the request, noting that construction would be occurring at the school next spring and it was their desire to consolidate all bus unloading and loading in one area from the beginning of the school year; this would also consolidate most parent drop-off and pick-up areas on Highland Drive along the west side of the school.  The Traffic Safety Commission expressed a desire to limit the restriction to only the times needed. A motion to recommend establishing a BUS LOADING ZONE 7-9AM, 2-4PM along the west side of Hilltop Drive from Hilltop Drive, north 600 feet, carried unanimously, 9-0. However, it should be noted that school actually dismisses at 1:00pm on Wednesdays and the restriction is only needed on school days.

 

Action Request

It is recommended that the City Commission concur with the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission, if appropriate; and adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 8877 to establish a Bus Loading Zone 7:00 am – 9:00 am and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, School Days, along the west side of Hilltop Drive from Harvard Road north 600 feet.