Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) accepts applications twice a year to fund projects using Highway Safety Improvement Program funds. The Safety Program Committee is accepting applications until September 30, 2018. All project costs are eligible for safety funding except for construction inspection costs. These grants require a 10% local match.
The Department of Public Service is preparing applications seeking funds for intersection safety improvements at (1) the intersection of James Road and Broad Street, and (2) the intersection of High Street and Obetz Road. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has ranked both intersections in its annual Top 100 Regional High Crash Intersections. Traffic studies were performed, which identified recommendations to improve safety at both intersections.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications and to execute project agreements for approved projects, to accept and expend grant funds, and to issue refunds, if necessary, after final accounting is performed. Matching funds will be in the form of design contracts, right of way acquisition, and/ or construction contracts that will be submitted for Council's approval.
2. EXPECTED PROJECTS
The Department of Public Service plans to submit applications for the following projects:
Intersection Improvements - Broad Street at James Road: MORPC has ranked this intersection number 2 on its Top 100 Regional High Crash Intersections (2014-2016). There were 205 crashes there between 2014 and 2016. Proposed countermeasures at the intersection would include the following: (1) constructing dual southbound left-turn lanes, providing protected-only southbound left-turn phasing, and removing negative offset for northbound left-turn lane; (2) constructing northbound and southbound exclusive right-turn lanes; (3) reconstructing the existing signal and installing signal backplates to improve signal head visibility; ...
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