Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to compensate ODOT for modifications to design of safety railing in conjunction with a completed ODOT project. The contract amount is an agreed upon amount of $52,112.78 being authorized by this ordinance.
In 2017, ODOT's FRA-270-21.67 Part C & D Project, identified as PID 81747, reconfigured the eastbound and westbound lanes at the interchange between U.S. Route 23 and Ohio State Route 315. This project required the replacement of an 879 foot stretch of safety railing along the Olentangy Trail. Through the plan review process, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department requested changes to the safety railing improvements to the project. These changes included an additional 430 feet of railing length, as well as, steel mesh panels to be installed along the entire run of the railing along the underpass in order to keep consistency in the project area.
Upon receipt of ODOT documentation that confirmed the unpaid amount, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department agreed to cover the amount of $52,112.78 to compensate ODOT for the safety railing changes. A review of records in 2026 resulted in the discovery that the transaction had not yet been completed.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Transportation
1980 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Dan Balsley, Division of Finance, (614) 351-2875
Government Agency
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to make this outstanding payment to ODOT and close out the project as soon as possible.
Benefits to the Public: Additional improvements to the design of the safety railing were necessary to ensure high standards of safety for trail users and consistency along the Olentangy Trail.
Community Input/Issues: The community has expressed the desire for a well-kept trails and safety enhancements through public wor...
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