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Media
Advisory
For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2010
Contact: James A. Pajk,
Bridge Engineer (614) 462-3021
Franklin
County Engineer Proposes to Replace the West Main Street Bridge in Westerville
, Questions
and Comments Sought
Franklin County, Ohio ---
Dean C. Ringle
, P.E., P.S., Franklin County Engineer, announces that plans are under way to
replace the West Main Street Bridge, over Alum Creek, in the City of
Westerville. The proposed project
limits extend from just west of the intersection of West Main Street and
Collegeview Road to approximately 750 feet east at a location just west of the
driveway entrance to Astronaut Grove Park.
The proposed project includes wider sidewalks along
the north and south sides of the replacement structure; improvement of sight
distance deficiencies that currently exist when exiting Alum Creek Park North;
improvement of the driveway profile to the entrance of Alum Creek Park North; a
new pedestrian ramp from West Main Street into Alum Creek Park North; and
accommodations to allow future pedestrian sidewalks to be constructed underneath
the bridge along the east and west banks of Alum Creek.
Utilities in the vicinity of the project will be placed underground and
the City of Westerville will install a new waterline. The City of Westerville
will also be make improvements to the parking lot for the Westerville Senior
Center.
To facilitate the construction of the new bridge,
permanent right-of-way will be needed along West Main Street.
Approximately 0.069 of an acre of permanent right-of-way will be needed
from Astronaut Grove Park (northeast quadrant) and approximately 0.138 of an
acre of permanent right-of-way will be needed from Alum Creek Park North
(southeast quadrant). Both parks are owned and maintained by the City of
Westerville.
Use of federal funds subjects the proposed project
to the requirements of Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) Act of 1966. This federal law
protects publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges,
and public or privately-owned historical resources.
Due to the scope of the proposed project and the presence of identified
recreational Section 4(f) properties, measures to minimize harm have been
developed that create a de minimis impact” (as defined in 23 CFR 774.17) on Astronaut
Grove Park and Alum Creek Park North. A de
minimis determination indicates that all possible planning to minimize harm
has been included to reduce impacts on a Section 4(f) property.
A de minimis impact is one that
will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that qualify
Astronaut Grove Park and Alum Creek Park North for protection under Section
4(f).
To protect Astronaut Grove Park, Alum Creek Park
North and the public, a temporary construction fence shall be installed along
proposed construction limits prior to the start of construction activities. The
contractor will be required to closely coordinate the construction schedule with
the Franklin County Engineer’s Office and the City of Westerville Park and
Recreation Department.
The existing driveway to Alum Creek Park North will
be closed for reconstruction due its close proximity to bridge construction
activities that would compromise the safety of park users. Access to Astronaut
Grove Park will be maintained at all times during construction and will
facilitate parking for users of Alum Creek Park North.
Access to Alum Creek Park North will be maintained by existing paths and
stairways that lead into the park. Detour/closure
signs will be posted to safely direct users to Alum Creek Park North.
The proposed project includes all possible planning
to minimize harm to the Section 4(f) properties (Astronaut Grove Park and Alum
Creek Park North). The primary
functions and components of the recreational areas will not be substantially
impaired by the proposed project. Improvements to access and safety for both
parks will be accomplished as part of the overall project and will build upon
the success of these parks in providing many pedestrian oriented amenities and
enhancements.
The location and amount of permanent right-of-way
needed for construction activities will not impair the intended use or function
of designated recreational activities associated with Astronaut Grove Park or
Alum Creek Park North, in whole or in part.
No permanent adverse physical impacts or permanent interference with the
activities or use of the recreation areas within Astronaut Grove Park or Alum
Creek Park North are anticipated. The proposed scope of work is minor in nature
and the magnitude of changes to the Section 4(f) property is minimal, and the
assessment of impacts and proposed mitigation, in regards to maintaining access
and safety, are considered to be reasonable and acceptable.
Replacement of the West Main Street Bridge could
begin as early as July 2010. The project cost is estimated at $6.6 million.
Questions and comments regarding this improvement
will be sought until March 17, 2010. Please send, fax, or e-mail them to:
James A. Pajk, P.E., Bridge Engineer
Franklin
County Engineer’s Office
970
Dublin Road Columbus, Ohio
43215
Fax:
(614) 487-0302
jpajk@franklincountyengineer.org
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