News Releases
Friday, February 22, 2013 News from the City of Lawrence
(Sent: 2013-02-22 06:06:18)NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Friday, February 22, 2013 News from the City of Lawrence
1) Safety tips for wintertime sledding
2) City infrastructure improvement projects for the week of February 25
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1) Safety tips for wintertime sledding
(Lawrence, Kan.) – With the arrival of snowfall yesterday, Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department reminds citizens to take safety precautions when taking to the hills to sled.
An area in Centennial Park, 600 Rockledge Rd., with lighted hills is suggested for sledding and can be used by the public, weather permitting.
Many times, sledding accidents occur when individuals do not keep safety as the first priority. This can be prevented by following a few safety precautions.
First, if a child is sledding, an adult should be there to supervise the activity. Adults may even want to be on the sled with young children to prevent accidents. According to a study done by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the U.S. Forest Service, adult involvement dramatically lowers the sledding injury rate.
Other tips include:
- Dress Properly. While everyone should wear one, it is especially important for children under 12 to wear a helmet. Everyone should also wear gloves and insulated boots.
- Use sleds with secure handholds; make sure there aren’t sharp edges or splinters. Inspect your sled prior to sledding to make sure it is in good condition and not broken.
- Don’t use carpets or cardboard as sleds. They are dangerous and hard to control.
- Sled in daylight hours in well lit areas.
- Never sled in unsafe areas like streets, driveways, rocky hills or near a cliff. Never ride on a sled that is being pulled by a car, truck or ATV.
- Make sure your sledding hill doesn’t have trees, signs, fences, rocks or other objects that can cause injuries. Never ride into a snow bank – the snow may hide a tree stump or rocks.
- Slide in a sitting or kneeling position; always feet first, never head first.
- Make sure the way is clear before you start; make sure any other sledders are out of the way before you begin.
- While sledding, tuck in the loose ends – arms, legs, scarves, cords, etc.
- If you fall off your sled, move out of the way quickly to avoid a collision with other sledders.
- Climb the hill away from others sledding down the hill.
- Know how to stop your sled or make a sharp turn by dragging your feet.
- If your sled won’t stop or if you are out of control, roll off your sled and onto the ground. Don’t worry about your sled after you roll off. You can get it back after it stops sliding.
Lawrence Parks and Recreation wants to ensure everyone’s safety when visiting city parks. By remembering essential safety precautions, everyone will be able to enjoy their sledding experience.
For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (785) 832-3450.
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2) City infrastructure improvement projects for the week of February 25
(Lawrence, Kan.) - Infrastructure improvement projects for the week of February 25. Construction projects listed are now available in a map format at http://lawks.us/construction-map.
Summer 2013 construction projects are now online at www.lawrenceks.org/construction.
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Project: Iowa Street reconstruction (expect delays)
Traffic Impact: The City of Lawrence is set to begin Phase I of the Iowa Street Reconstruction project on Monday, February 25 (weather permitting). The first phase of the project consists of reconstructing the entire roadway on Iowa Street, from 15th Street/Bob Billings Parkway (BBP) south to the Irving Hill Overpass. Motorists can expect major delays. During Phase I of this project, there will only be one lane of traffic in each direction south of 15th Street/BBP on Iowa Street. The intersection at 15th Street/BBP will still be open for north, south, east and westbound traffic. If possible, it is recommended to avoid this area during the construction. East/west traffic should utilize 23rd Street or 6th Street; north/south traffic should use Kasold or Kentucky Streets. Phase I of the Iowa Street Reconstruction project is projected to last through mid-May 2013. The intersection of 15th/BBP and Iowa will be closed to all east/west traffic after commencement ceremonies at Kansas University and will not re-open until mid-August.
Project: 23rd and O’Connell Signalization
Traffic Impact: Contractors for the City of Lawrence will begin completing geometric improvements to the intersection of 23rd and O’Connell Road to accommodate turn lanes and a new traffic signal. The geometric improvements began on January 30. Crews will work to rebuild the intersection of O’Connell and K-10 Highway (23rd Street) during this time. This project is associated with the redevelopment of the former Farmland Industries plant. Intersection work will be completed by March 29, 2013 but the signalization will not be completed until June 2013. Traffic on K-10/23rd Street will be reduced to one lane periodically (east and west) and the speed limit in the work zone will be set at 45 MPH.
Project: Miscellaneous Pump Station Reconstruction – Pump Station 15
Traffic Impact: EmCon, Inc. is reconstructing pump station 15 as part of City project No. UT0919CS. The work involves the installation of gravity and force main sanitary sewer lines and pump station facilities. Work the pump station will impact the 200 block of North Michigan Street. Residents can expect to see construction equipment, materials, and construction activity within public right-of-way and utility easements. No access restrictions, lane closures, or detours are planned as part of this project.
Project: Crack Sealing
Traffic Impact: Crack sealing north of 6th Street in the neighborhoods east and west of Monterey Way. Temporary lane closures during working hours (weather permitting).
Project: KDOT replacement of K-10/23rd Street Bridge between Haskell and Barker
Traffic Impact: Two lanes of traffic are available in each direction. KDOT crews continue to perform work on the bridge, utility work and removal of the shooflys.
Project: 2012 Concrete Rehabilitation Program
Traffic Impact: Contractors for the City of Lawrence will continue the concrete rehabilitation program through March of 2013 (weather permitting). Concrete streets to experience traffic impacts from patching include: Nicklaus Dr, Hogan Dr, & Palmer Dr, east of Inverness Dr. Through traffic in both directions will be generally maintained throughout the project with flaggers, traffic control devices and signage. There is a possibility of street closures, if necessary. Residences will be notified if access to driveways will be restricted while work is performed.
Project: Water main installation
Traffic Impact: The Utility Department will install a water main on Belle Haven Drive, from W. 25th to W 27th. The road will be closed to thru traffic and no parking Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. There is no paring in the construction area and the road will be closed to thru traffic from Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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