Transportation 2030
Plan Emerges to Shape Priorities
Transportation issues remain a top concern for Lawrence residents. Recent studies indicate that Lawrence and the surrounding region can expect to see increased traffic, especially truck traffic, over the next two decades.
As mandated by the federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005, the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Office began developing Transportation 2030, its long-range transportation plan, in 2006. The plan must be completed by early 2008 in order to keep regional transportation dollars unaffected.
Transportation 2030 hopes to coordinate regional strategies and establish regional transportation goals and priorities for Lawrence, Baldwin City and Eudora as well as adjacent areas in Douglas County. T2030 will identify future needs, investments and recommendations for all modes of transportation – automobile, public transit and bicycle – and will incorporate Intelligent Transportation System components that use new technologies like cameras, dynamic message signs and vehicle location systems to improve safety and traffic flow.
The process has included The Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Office, regional municipalities, as well as state and federal agencies.
Public participation has been a cornerstone throughout the process with stakeholder and general user input, as well as public meetings held in Lawrence, Baldwin City and Eudora during August, September and October.
8 Transportation Goals and Objectives
- Support economic vitality
- Improve safety for motorized and non motorized users
- Increase the system’s ability to support regional and national security efforts
- Increase accessibility and mobility of people and freight
- Protect the environment and promote energy conservation
- Enhance integration between different modes of transpiration
- Promote efficient system management and operation
- Preserve successes in the current transportation system
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should batteries in home smoke detectors be checked?
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical recommends that you do this each fall when you change our clocks to Daylight Savings Time.
Who’s responsible for removing pet poop from public and private property?
City ordinance (3-107) requires pet owners and pet caretakers to remove pet excrement from the public right-of-way and from private property not owned by the owner or caretaker.
How do I check the status of my building permit?
You can check the status of your permit, inspections and plans online at https://www.lawrenceks.org/pds, or call (785) 832-7700.
Where can I learn more about City Government?
The City of Lawrence provides several convenient ways to keep up with the happenings of your city government. City Commission meetings are broadcast live every Tuesday evening on Channel 25. In addition, Lawrenceks.org provides up-to-date information via the internet. Commission agendas, city agency meeting schedules and announcements regarding important city programs are broadcast 24-hours a day on cable Channel 25. You may also sign up to receive information directly by e-mail concerning transit, city news and agendas at : www.lawrenceks.org/subscriptions.
Frequently Called Numbers
- Metropolitan Transportation Planning Office – (785) 832-3159
- Animal control and pet complaints – (785) 832-7650
- Bulky item pick up -(785) 832-3022
- Traffic signs and signals (785) 832-3035
New Traffic Signal
Safe for Pedestrians, Convenient for Motorists
A new pedestrian crosswalk signal is now operating on 11th Street between New York Street and New Jersey. The experimental design is the first of its type in Lawrence.
“The signal uses the rules motorists follow with all lights: solid red means stop. Flashing red means stop and proceed when safe to do so, while flashing yellow means slow and use caution,” explains David Woolsey, City of Lawrence Transportation traffic engineer.
Research has shown that the new signal type generates a higher motorist compliance rate while reducing delay times for drivers.
Located in East Lawrence near the New York School, the new signal is referred to as a HAWK (High Intensity Activated CrossWalK), and is different from other crossing beacons currently being used in Lawrence.
The unique design consists of three lights (2 reds and 1 yellow) and is configured like an inverted triangle.
The new design was approved by the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices in January 2007. The City is required to provide periodic reports to FHWA. Dr. Eugene Russell of Kansas State University has agreed to perform all studies and complete all paperwork required for the Lawrence installation.
WARNING: Dispose of Hazardous Household Products Properly for a Cleaner Lawrence
Home improvement projects, vehicle maintenance and many hobbies create leftover household hazardous waste. Hazardous products can be identified by key words such as “Danger,” “Poison,” “Warning,” or “Caution” on product labels. These products can be flammable, toxic or corrosive, and when no longer in use need to be disposed of properly.
Household hazardous waste discarded with other trash may react or explode in waste compactors or injure personnel handling these products. They can contaminate the air and groundwater. Disposal to sanitary or storm water sewers may damage septic systems, sewage treatment plants, drinking water supplies, and corrode plumbing.
Unwanted paint, solvents, pesticides and household cleaners can be disposed of properly at the Lawrence-Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The facility is open to Douglas County residents by drop-off appointments only.
To schedule a drop-off appointment for hazardous waste call the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at (785) 832-3030.
“People aren’t aware that we also accept fluorescent light bulbs which contain small amounts of mercury,” notes Tom Hogan, Hazardous Waste Specialist. “Due to their energy saving benefits, more homeowners are switching to compact fluorescent bulbs. Spent bulbs can be recycled at our Household Hazardous Waste Facility.”
Paint, household cleaners and other products dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility that are in good, usable condition, are distributed for free to Douglas County residents through the Product Reuse Program. To ask about available products or to pick up products call (785) 832-3030. For more info, please visit www.lawrencerecycles.org.
Materials Accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility Include:
AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS: antifreeze, automobile batteries, brake fluid, diesel fuel, gasoline, used motor oil
HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS: all-purpose cleaners, ammonia, bleach, drain openers, floor cleaners, oven cleaners, rust or stain removers, toilet bowl cleaners
PAINT AND HOBBY SUPPLIES: adhesives, enamel/oil-based paints, furniture strippers, latex/water-based paints, paint thinners, spray paints, stain and wood finishers
PESTICIDES: disinfectants and sanitizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, repellents
OTHER PRODUCTS: cell phones, cooking oil, fluorescent light bulbs, glue, household batteries, lamp oil, lighter fluid, mercury thermometers and thermostats, nail polish and nail polish removers, photographic chemicals, pool chemicals, propane cylinders, rubber cement
Materials Not Accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility Include:
Asbestos, ammunition, explosives infectious waste (medical waste), radioactive waste (smoke alarms), unknown materials