Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David Cronin, City Engineer
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
DATE:	29 September 2015
RE:	School Crosswalk & Adult Crossing Guard Relocation, Kennedy School, Harper Street

Background

Kennedy Elementary School is currently undergoing remodeling, construction additions and a re-design of the site. As part of this project, the main entrance to the school has been changed from the north side of the building, to the south side of the building, with access from Harper Street, south of the Davis Road intersection.

Existing Crosswalk & Adult Crossing Guard Location

The existing Crosswalk across Harper Street and Adult Crossing Guard are on the south leg of Harper Street at Davis Road. This served as a direct route to the main entrance to Kennedy School on Davis Road. The main entrance to Kennedy School has been changed to the south side of the building, together with a sidewalk from the entrance to Harper Street, adjacent to the new school access drive and parking lot. As a result, the existing Crosswalk & Adult Crossing Guard do not provide a direct route for students. Due to congestion within the school access drive, many parents are parking in the Douglas County Fairgrounds parking a lot across Harper Street from the access drive, and crossing Harper Street mid-block to get to the school.

Recommended Crosswalk & Adult Crossing Guard Location

Inasmuch as the main entrance to the school has changed, it is recommended that the Crosswalk and Adult Crossing Guard be relocated to a point close to the sidewalk leading to the main entrance (see map). The best location would be just north of the Douglas County Fairgrounds driveway. This will require the construction of sidewalk ramps, installation of pavement markings, signs, and the purchase and installation of new solar-powered school beacons in advance of the crossing. This has been discussed with staff of the USD497 School District and they are willing have their on-site contractor construct the sidewalk ramps. The beacons, signs and markings can be accommodated within the existing Public Works Department budget. The existing crosswalk across Harper Street at Harper Street and Davis Road will be removed once the new crosswalk is installed.

In addition, USD497 will notify students and their parents of the change. City staff has also sent notice of the October 13, 2015 planned Commission action on this item to adjacent property owners (see notice), and Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods.

Action Request

Authorize the relocation of the Crosswalk & Adult Crossing Guard from Davis Road & Harper Street to a point adjacent to the Kennedy School access driveway, together with the purchase and installation of solar school beacons, and appropriate signs and markings; including the removal of the old school beacons, signs and markings.