Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation ("ODOT") is currently engaged in a project identified as the I-70/I-71 Reconstruction project through downtown Columbus, Ohio. The goal of this project is to reduce traffic congestion, travel delays and safety hazards within the project corridor by adding lanes, consolidating ramps and minimizing traffic weaving movements. The current plan is to construct this project in three phases. The first phase, the North Interchange project, is a design/build project scheduled to be constructed in 2011; phase 2 of this project, the East Interchange project, is currently scheduled for construction in 2013; and construction of phase 3, the East Trench Project, is scheduled for 2015.
During design of the North Interchange project, also known as FRA-71-17.76, FRA-670-4.19, it was determined portions of the existing I-670 bikeway adjacent to Jack Gibbs Boulevard and Leonard Avenue would need to be relocated to accommodate the improvements contemplated by this project. In an effort to limit right-of-way impacts to the adjacent neighborhoods, ODOT would like to acquire and use existing City of Columbus ("City") right-of-way whenever possible. Current plans indicate two (2) parcels of City right-of-way, totaling 29,595 square feet will need to be transferred to ODOT for this purpose. After review of the preliminary plan sheets, the Department of Public Service has determined the transfer of these rights-of-way to ODOT will not adversely affect the City and should be allowed to proceed.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
In the spirit of intergovernmental cooperation, the City has agreed to transfer these rights-of-way to ODOT at no charge.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
To keep construction of this project in state fiscal year 2011, the project will be advertised for bids in September 2010. Emergency action is requested to allow these transfers to be completed by September 1, 2010.
Title
To authorize the Directo...
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