Title
Stow Road Sidewalk Project (SR 303 to Ravenna Street)
Brief Description: Staff would like to discuss the proposed alignment of the new sidewalk along Stow Road between SR 303 and Ravenna Street. The City’s consultant GAI will be present to answer any questions.
Body
Legislative History
24-44 - Enter into a Contract with GAI for Design Services; 4/16/2024
Purpose & Explanation
A proposed sidewalk along Stow Road between SR 303 and Ravenna Street was planned as part of the approved 2021-2025 Sidewalk and Trail Master Plan. Due to budget changes, his section of sidewalk is now currently budgeted for construction in 2026.
Staff would like to discuss the conceptual plans, decision matrix and budgets and provide recommendations for the new sidewalk along Stow Road. Staff and the City’s consultant will be available to answer any questions from City Council and the Mayor.
Based upon previous public comments, this project’s preliminary design included an evaluation of introducing either a 5’ wide concrete sidewalk or larger width, asphalt path. A summary of the proposed alignments and construction costs is as follows:
Alternate 1 - 5’ wide concrete sidewalk along the West side of Stow Road.............$1,240,000
Alternate 2- 8’ Asphalt Trail along the West side of Stow Road...............................$1,300,000
Alternate 3 - 5’ wide concrete sidewalk along the East side of Stow Road ...............$1,250,000
Alternate 4 - 8’ Asphalt Trail along the East side of Stow Road..............................$1,320,000
See attached Exhibits including Plan View, Decision Matrix and Typical Sections for the project for further information.
A public input meeting was held on November 7, 2024. Three (3) Hudson residents attended the meeting to review the proposed sidewalk alignment and discuss the project with staff/consultant. Additional follow up letters were sent to impacted residents encouraging public input on the proposed project. Comments from the public input meeting, those submitted via the City’s website or submitted by other means are included as Exhibit - Public Comments.
Based upon comments received, the recommended alignment for consideration is Alternate 2 - 8’ Asphalt Trail along the West side of Stow Road.
Note that private property impacts will be avoided where possible but are likely needed for grading and other construction needs for both sidewalk installation and trail installation. However, the overall number of parcels impacted, and the total private property area impacted would be greater for the trail design given its larger footprint.
Staff is requesting concurrence from Council to proceed with the final design of Alternate 2, 8-foot wide, pathway along west side of Stow Road at an estimated construction cost of $1,300,000.
February 25, 2025 Update
At the January 14, 2025, Council Workshop, staff and the city's engineering consultant presented an initial recommendation for an 8-foot path along the west side of Stow Road. Due to the proximity of some homes, Council requested additional public input regarding the installation of a 5-foot-wide sidewalk versus the proposed 8-foot path.
Staff then sent a third round of public participation letters to Stow Road residents, specifically asking about their preference for a concrete sidewalk or a trail along the west side of Stow Road. A summary of the responses, along with a map showing the properties from which responses were received, is attached.
Staff also researched the life expectancy of concrete sidewalks versus asphalt paths. They found that one of the most significant factors affecting the lifespan of both is proximity to tree roots. With basic maintenance (such as trip hazard repairs for concrete and crack sealing for asphalt), concrete sidewalks are expected to last over 50 years, while asphalt paths are expected to last over 35-40 years.
Staff also requested additional project costs for various sidewalk and trail width construction from the design consultant which are summarized below, along with the previously provided project costs:
Alternate 1 - 5’ wide concrete sidewalk along the West side of Stow Road.............$1,240,000
Alternate 2- 8’ asphalt trail along the West side of Stow Road.................................$1,300,000
Alternate 3 - 5’ wide concrete sidewalk along the East side of Stow Road ...............$1,250,000
Alternate 4 - 8’ asphalt trail along the East side of Stow Road................................$1,320,000
Alternate 5 - 6’ wide concrete sidewalk along the West side of Stow Road............$1,284,000
Alternate 6- 6’ wide concrete sidewalk along the West side of Stow Road...............$1,299,000
Alternate 7 - 8’ wide concrete sidewalk along the West side of Stow Road ............$1,499,000
Alternate 8 - 8’ wide concrete sidewalk along the East side of Stow Road...............$1,522,000
Alternate 9 - 6’ wide asphalt trail along the West side of Stow Road ......................$1,136,000
Alternate 10 - 6’ wide asphalt trail along the East side of Stow Road.......................$1,151,000
Based upon updated public input, concrete vs. asphalt lifecycle and project footprint/impacts to private property, staff is requesting concurrence from Council to proceed with the final design of either Alternate 1, 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalk or Alternate 6, 6-foot concrete wide, sidewalk along west side of Stow Road.
Fiscal Impact
X Currently Budgeted (2026 budget - $1,600,000)
Supplemental Appropriation Required
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
The City Administration recommends City Council approve staff’s recommendations and make a motion to proceed to final design.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Bradley Kosco, P.E., P.S., City Engineer
David Rapp, P.E., P.S., Assistant City Engineer