Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes The Director of Public Service to grant consent and propose cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the construction of an interchange improvement project at I-70 and Hilliard Rome Road on the West side of Columbus.
The purpose of this project is to construct improvements to allow traffic to flow through the interchange more efficiently. This project consists of a new signal at the north side of the interchange with ramp realignments and widening. The project also includes an additional turn lane in both directions between IR70 and Meijer Drive as well as northbound dual left turn lanes on Hilliard Rome Road at Renner Road. The project is estimated to begin construction in the summer of 2013 and be completed in fall of 2013. (FRA-IR70/Hilliard Rome, PID 94460)
2. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to maintain the planned schedule for this project.
3. FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated construction cost of this project is $6,000,000.00 which will be funded by ODOT. There is no cost to the City for this project.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to grant consent and propose cooperation with the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, State of Ohio for this interchange improvement on the interchange at IR70 and Hilliard Rome Road; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
The following ordinance enacted by the City of Columbus, Ohio, hereinafter referred to as the Legislative Authority or Local Public Agency or "LPA", in the matter of the stated described project.
WHEREAS, The Ohio Department of Transportation has identified the need for the described project:
This project has been designated by ODOT as the FRA-70/Hilliard Rome Road Interflush project. This project includes a new signal at the north side of the interchange with ramp realignments and widening. The project also includes an additional lane in both directions between IR70 and Meijer Drive as well as northbound dual left turn lanes on Hilliard Rome Road at Renner Road; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize consent for this project in order to maintain the schedule established by ODOT, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
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 City of Columbus grants consent to ODOT for its development and construction of the project in accordance with plans, specifications and estimates as approved by the Director.
SECTION 3 - Utilities and Right-of-Way Statement
ODOT 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. ODOT also understands that right-of-way costs include eligible utility costs.
ODOT 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 project, and unless otherwise agreed, the ODOT shall: (1) provide adequate maintenance for the 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 resources, as necessary, for the maintenance of the 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. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.