Nelson Drive Corridor Study
Buckner Street to Patriot Avenue (63rd Street)
Introduction
The City of Derby received a report in January 2011 analyzing traffic patterns and presenting options for improving traffic flow and safety along Nelson Drive. The report primarily focuses on locations where Nelson Drive intersects with the following three arterial streets: Patriot Avenue (63rd Street), Red Powell Drive, and Meadowlark Boulevard.
This study was performed by TranSystems Corporation, a civil engineering firm in Kansas City, under contract with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). The study was funded by KDOT’s Kansas Traffic Engineering Assistance Program and performed at the request of the City to address various traffic concerns at these three intersections.
Read the Nelson Drive Corridor Analysis in its entirety or check out the highlights below.
Information on the Nelson Drive Corridor Study has been presented to the Derby Planning Commission, Derby City Council, Economic Development Board, and Rotary Club of Derby.
The City Council would like your feedback about the Nelson Drive Corridor. What do you think are the best options? Contact the Mayor and Council on the City Council contact page.
Overview
Based on the data collected, the majority of the Nelson Drive corridor appears to be operating safely and efficiently. The primary problems are associated with the conditions at the Patriot Ave., Red Powell Dr., and Meadowlark Blvd. intersections where there is a pattern of angle collisions. Many of the accidents at Red Powell and Meadowlark intersections appear to be associated with extremely short spacing between K-15 and Nelson Dr. (75 feet or less). Here is a quick overview of ideas presented by TranSystems. For more information please refer to the report.
Ideas for Nelson Drive at 63rd St.
 1) Construct a LIRIRO (left-in, right-in, right-out) configuration along Patriot Ave. (see Figure 2) to restrict left-turn and through movements for north/south traffic.
2) If right-of-way is not readily available to construct a LIRIRO, construct a RIRO (right-in, right-out) configuration along Patriot Ave. to restrict various intersection turning movements.
3) Realign Nelson Dr. further to the east so that it ties into the intersection just east of the Lowe's property (see Figure 3). It would be desirable to install a traffic signal at the outset given the existing crash experience for northbound drivers. Implementing a raised median for the existing Lowe's driveway should also be considered.
Ideas for Nelson Drive at Red Powell
 1) Add signage to warn motorists on Nelson Drive that K-15 traffic does not stop when turning onto Red Powell or Nelson Drive.
2) Construct a raised median along Red Powell Drive through the Nelson Drive intersection (see Figure 5) to restrict several intersection movements.
3) Realign Nelson Drive further to the east to provide improved separation from K-15 (see Figure 6).
4) Realign Nelson Drive even further east so it aligns with Johnson Drive, and incorporates a single lane roundabout at the resulting intersection with Red Powell Drive (see Figure 7).
Ideas for Nelson Drive at Meadowlark
 1) Add signage to warn motorists on Nelson Drive that K-15 traffic does not stop when turning onto Meadowlark or Nelson Drive.
2) Construct a raised median along Meadowlark Blvd. through the Nelson Drive intersection to restrict several intersection movements (see Figure 8).
3) Realign Nelson Drive further to the east to provide improved separation from K-15 (see Figure 9).
Summary
Multiple options could be selected at each of these Nelson Drive intersections to improve operation and safety. No decisions have been made about which options, if any, should be pursued. No funding has yet been budgeted for medians, street relocations, or other improvements recommended in the report, except signs.
The recommended signage was recently installed by the City to enhance driver understanding of the current intersection configurations. Funding decisions will likely be made this summer as the City develops its 2012 budget and its five-year Capital Improvement Plan (2012-2016).
Questions or comments? Contact the Web Manager.
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