Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This is consent legislation with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for a project to construct a new interchange at Bixby Road and U.S. Route 33. (FRA-US33-27.44 PID 76687)
Since a portion of this project lies within the City of Columbus, this consent ordinance is necessary. Construction of this project is scheduled for State Fiscal Year 2011. This legislation also authorizes the Public Service Director to enter into the necessary agreements to complete this project.
Engineering studies recommend the conversion of U.S. 33, from I-270 to the Lancaster Bypass, to a limited access facility and indicate a grade separated interchange at Bixby Road meets the criteria for interchange spacing. The design of the Bixby Road bridge over U.S. 33 will accommodate pedestrian and bicycle travel to which the City of Columbus will construct connecting facilities on roadways under its jurisdiction in the future as funding allows. The Bixby Road interchange will facilitate projected traffic movements, support economic activity, and promote job growth.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
This project is being funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to enter into an agreement with the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation and to grant consent and propose cooperation with the State of Ohio for this interchange construction project at Bixby Road and U.S. Route 33 for the Division of Transportation. ($0)
Body
The following is an Ordinance enacted by the City of Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, hereinafter referred to as the Local Public Agency (LPA), in the matter of the stated described project.
WHEREAS, engineering studies conducted by both the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission recommend the conversion of U.S. 33 from I-270 to the Lancaster Bypass to a limited access facility; and
WHEREAS, this conversion is necessary to safely accommodate projected growth in traffic and support economic activity in the corridor; and
WHEREAS, these studies have indicated that a grade separated interchange at Bixby Road meets interchange spacing criteria and will provide for forecasted traffic movements; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus views the Bixby Road interchange as supporting economic development and job growth in the southeast area; and
WHEREAS, ODOT has designed the Bixby Road bridge over U.S. 33 with shoulder width sufficient to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle travel; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus will construct connecting pedestrian and bicycle facilities on roadways under its jurisdiction as funding allows; and
WHEREAS, the LPA/State has identified the need for the described project:
Construction of a new interchange at United States Route 33 at Bixby Road
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO:
SECTION 1. Consent Statement
Being in the public interest, the LPA gives consent to the Director of Transportation to complete the above described project.
SECTION 2. Cooperation Statement
The LPA shall cooperate with the Director of Transportation in the above-described project as follows:
The LPA agrees to pay One Hundred Percent (100%) of the cost of those features requested by the LPA which are determined by the State and Federal Highway Administration to be unnecessary for the Project.
SECTION 3. Utilities and Right-of-Way Statement
The LPA agrees that all right-of-way required for the described project will be acquired and/or made available in accordance with current State and Federal regulations. The LPA also understands that right-of-way costs include eligible utility costs.
The LPA agrees that all utility accommodation, relocation and reimbursement will comply with the current provisions of 23 CFR 645 and the ODOT Utilities Manual.
SECTION 4. Maintenance
Upon completion of the described project, and unless otherwise agreed, the LPA shall: (1) provide adequate maintenance for the described project in accordance with all applicable state and federal law, including, but not limited to, Title 23, U.S.C., Section 116; (2) provide ample financial provisions, as necessary, for the maintenance of the described project; (3) maintain the right-of-way, keeping it free of obstructions; and (4) hold said right-of-way inviolate for public highway purposes.
SECTION 5. Authority to Sign
The Director of Public Service of the City of Columbus is hereby empowered on behalf of the City of Columbus to enter into contracts with the Director of Transportation necessary to complete the above-described project.
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.