Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY (“LPA”) FEDERAL LOCAL-LET PROJECT AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE HINES HILL RAIL GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT (SUM-GCEP-HUDSON HINES HILL ROAD, PID#121034).
Brief Description: This agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is for the replacement of an at grade railroad crossing at Hines Hill Road with a grade separation bridge.
Body
Legislative History
24-82 - Apply for and, if awarded, enter into an agreement with the ORDC; 7/16/2024
24-119 - Enter into Professional Services Agreement with GPD for design; 10/1/2024
Purpose & Explanation
This project is located on Hines Hill Road at the Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing, just west of Prospect Street. Currently, Hines Hill Road has a gated at-grade crossing at this intersection with two sets of Norfolk Southern railroad tracks that handle approximately 50 to 60 trains each day. The average daily traffic on Hines Hill Road is approximately 4,500 vehicles. This grade separation will provide unimpeded access to the northwest corner of Hudson for emergency services and ensure a safer crossing of the tracks.
The current total estimated project cost is $19.6 million. The City has secured the following funding:
• $2,886,174 in state funds via the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC).
• $13,705,000 in federal funds via the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Grade Crossing Elimination Program.
• $75,000 contribution from Norfolk Southern.
Total grant funding currently stands at $16,666,174. The City is responsible for all costs exceeding the grant amounts, which is currently estimated at $2,933,826.
The project’s design and construction will be managed by the City of Hudson.
Since this a State sponsored transportation project, the use of the state and federal funds must follow the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) process that allows local public agencies (LPA), like the CIty of Hudson, to administer projects that will use State or Federal funding. The process requires the LPA to enter into an agreement with ODOT for this process. The agreement requires the LPA to follow the State process for the contract. The LPA process allows for more local control of the design and construction.
Project costs-including design, environmental permitting, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and construction-will be covered by the aforementioned funding sources. Design began in 2025 and is scheduled to continue through the end of 2028, with construction slated for 2029.
Legal Authority for Proposed Legislation
Pursuant to Charter Section 6.04, Contracts & Purchasing:
Competitively bid and advertised for two consecutive weeks; bid tab attached: [Yes/No/NA])
Joint or Cooperative Purchase Program
Professional Services
X Other - Agreement
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
Appropriation Not Required
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
Yes
X No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Resolution. This would authorize the City Manager to enter into a LPA Agreement with ODOT for the Hines Hill Rail Grade Separation Project (PID 121034).
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Brian Griffith, Assistant City Manager
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer
Jonathon Szalay, PE, Senior Engineer