Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to modify an existing contract with GPD Group (Ord. 1280-2018, June, 2018) to provide detailed engineering services and construction documents for the Franklinton Loop---Souder Avenue Connector.
Background: This Stage Two modification will develop the final plans for construction of the project, including bridge plans, permitting, and a trail along Souder Avenue, from Broad Street to the Scioto Trail. The Department was awarded a grant for $3.1 M from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission in 2016 to assist towards construction of a trail connection to the Scioto Trail for the Franklinton community, from Broad Street to Dublin Road. The project will build a pedestrian bridge across the Scioto River from the north bank, and continue to Broad Street along a 10’ wide trail. The Franklinton community in this corridor is experiencing a transformation with new dense mixed-use developments of housing and large scale employment centers.
The city began engagement with the community several years ago to address the unsafe conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, including the existing two-lane Souder Avenue Bridge over the Scioto River. Connectivity to the regional trail system and upgrading the neighborhoods active transportation network was listed as one of the community’s highest priorities. The project will coincide with major development projects in the West Broad Street/Souder Avenue area, as well as a corporate campus development for the Souder Avenue/McKinley Avenue which is set to bring 2,000 jobs to the community within the next three years.
The project is being developed using ODOT and FHWA design standards. During Stage 1 planning in 2018 (Ord. 1280-2018, June, 2018 authorized GPD for $197,500.00) public engagement was conducted with the community at-large and a final preferred plan was chosen to advance to detailed design. Recreation and Parks’ Stage One Pr...
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