Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Public Service Director to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to participate and fund a portion of the Gender Road and Refugee Road Intersection Traffic Safety Study. This study will be undertaken by E.P. Ferris and Associates and will be funded by the City of Columbus and ODOT. ODOT is the contracting agency. The study area is the Gender Road and Refugee Road intersection extending 1,000 feet on each leg of the intersection. Using existing and projected traffic volumes and recent crash history, the consultant will identify conceptual design alternatives that will address traffic flow and any safety deficiencies at the intersection. A strategic implementation plan will also be developed that conforms to the ODOT Highway Safety Program funding requirements. It is anticipated that a safety funding application will be prepared by the Transportation Division and submitted to ODOT at the conclusion of the safety study that will be based on the study recommendations. This intersection was identified by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission as a top 20 high crash location in the central Ohio region. As required by routine accommodation policies of both MORPC and ODOT, this study will address mobility needs for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users.
Emergency action is requested in order to reimburse ODOT for ten percent (10%) of the study cost up to $3,000.00, so this study can be completed and a Safety Funding Application for design and construction funds can be submitted by the application deadline in November.
Fiscal Impact: The City of Columbus will be responsible for ten percent (10%) of the cost of this study with ODOT responsible for the remaining ninety percent (90%). The Transportation Division share of this project is up to $3,000.00. Funds for this study in the amount of $3,000.00 are budgeted within the Transportation Division's 2008 Capital Improvement Budget in the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund.
Title
To authorize the Public Service Director to enter into an agreement for the Transportation Division with the Ohio Department of Transportation to undertake the Gender Road and Refugee Road Intersection Traffic Safety Study; to authorize the expenditure of up to $3,000.00 from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund for the Transportation Division; and to declare an emergency. ($3,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, by working with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation, the City of Columbus Transportation Division has identified the need to improve traffic flow and safety for all transportation users at the Gender Road and Refugee Road Intersection; and
WHEREAS, operational problems exist at the intersection as a result of the congested operation, such that mobility, safety and economic growth are impacted on both Gender Road and Refugee Road; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus Transportation Division and the Ohio Department of Transportation concur on a scope, schedule and budget for the Gender Road Traffic Safety Study, to participate in the conduct of the study and provide funding to undertake the study; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund for this reimbursement; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Public Service Department, Transportation Division, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize said contract in order reimburse the Ohio Department of Transportation and to meet the Safety Funding Application timelines, thereby preserving the public health, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Public Service Director be authorized to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation, for up to $3,000.00, for the Transportation Division to participate in the Gender Road and Refugee Road Intersection Traffic Safety Study to develop a strategic plan for the purpose of addressing identified traffic flow and safety deficiencies at the intersection.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $3,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary be and hereby is authorized from Fund 704, the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund, Department 59-09, Transportation Division, Object Level One Code 06, Object Level Three Code 6682, OCA Code 644385 and Project 590105 to pay the cost of said study.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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.