Title
Discussion: Update on the Downtown Pedestrian Safety Study
Brief Description: City Staff would like to discuss with City Council, the first phase of the Downtown Pedestrian Safety. The traffic consultant, LJB, Inc., will present a basic outline of the evaluations completed to date and discuss next steps of the study.
Body
Purpose & Explanation
In 2021, City staff presented on pedestrian and bicycle safety and upcoming infrastructure safety projects in Hudson. During discussions with Council, it was identified that staff should proceed with conducting a Pedestrian Safety Study to further evaluate pedestrian safety, primarily in the downtown area.
After conducting resident input sessions and collecting public comments this summer, staff has proceeded with developing a study scope and solicited proposals from qualified traffic engineering consultants.
The goal of the Downtown Pedestrian Safety Study is to review, analyze, and develop recommended improvements to increase pedestrian safety along travel ways and crossings in the study areas including SR 91 (between Stoney Hill Drive and W. Prospect Street), SR 303 (between SR 91 and N. Hayden Parkway), Aurora Street (between SR 91 and Franklin Street) and the First & Main area (reference Exhibit A - Study Area map). Note that the corridor along SR 303 between Boston Mills Road and SR 91 was studied separately by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The study is being completed in three phases. The first phase included a review of previous studies, field reviews with the City, and additional data collection. This information was used to develop concept, recommended improvements, with preliminary cost estimates, throughout the study area.
Staff and the City’s traffic consultant, LJB Inc. will present and answer any questions regarding this first phase of the study.
Based upon Council’s input, staff will then proceed with the second phase of the study which includes holding public input meetings with residents, downtown business owners and via the City’s website. Public input comments will then be reviewed and implemented into final phase of the study which will summarize public comments, identify and implement any changes to the original study recommendations, generate a priority list of improvements and update any cost estimates into a Final Study Report. The Final Study Report will then be presented to City Council.
Staff anticipates that the final study identifying the final recommended improvements will then be used for future ODOT grant requests and Capital budget consideration.
Timing Considerations
With Council’s concurrence, staff will proceed on proceeding with the second phase of the Downtown Pedestrian Safety Study which includes public input meetings and outreach. The anticipated schedule to finish the study is Spring 2022.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends council discussion.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Thomas J. Sheridan, Asst. City Manager, Professional Services
Bradley Kosco, P.E., P.S., City Engineer