Title
Turnpike Bridge Widening and Trail Projects
Brief Description: Staff would like to discuss future trail budgets within the Northwest quadrant of the City.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
During recent preliminary budget discussions with the City Manager and Finance Department, staff noted that the costs of upcoming trail projects within the Parks and Streets budgets might be increasing to a potentially unsustainable level. The current budget includes over $10 million for trail improvements between 2024 and 2028, including sections along Barlow Road (near Barlow Farm Park), Boston Mills Road, and Rails to Trails projects. Some of these trail projects are located in the NW quadrant of Hudson.
The attached map outlines proposed trails in the NW quadrant, including:
• Prospect: Hunting Hollow to Steepleview: $1 million
• Ohio Turnpike: Bridge widening at Prospect: $2 million*
• Hines Hill & Prospect (to Hunting Hollow): $1.4 million
• Hines Hill Bridge: $3 million + grant funding (part trail/walk costs)
*The Ohio Turnpike's consultant recently informed City staff that they will be ready to bid on the bridge widening project in end of September 2024.
The most significant cost driver for trail projects in this area is the Prospect Street turnpike crossing ($2 million for bridge widening + $1 million for the trail = $3 million).
To avoid the costly Prospect Street widening, staff recommends consideration of utilizing the existing 7-foot sidewalk along SR 91 as the sole turnpike crossing. See attached map highlighting this option. While some of these alignments involve sidewalks, they still provide a safe means for pedestrians to access downtown and other parts of the city and would avoid the expensive bridge widening at Prospect Street.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff is looking for Council direction on how they would like to proceed.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer