Grener project to eleminate pedestrian bridge

(by Megan Edwards, Staff Writer - March 26, 2009)

Plans to renovate the South Grener Avenue corridor have reached the next level.
Township trustees awarded Double Z Construction of Columbus the bid for the first phase of the South Grener Avenue project, at a meeting held March 25.

Double Z’s bid came in more than $65,000 less than the estimated cost of the project, at $918,000, according to township Administrator Tracy Hatmaker. The estimated cost of the first phase is $984,000.

Township officials opened seven bids March 23, and out of the seven bids, five came in under the estimated cost. This, Hatmaker said, is a sign of the economic downturn.

Consulting firm, Stantec, who is assisting the township with the project, assisted with the bid process and verified and recommended Double Z’s bid.

Phase I will include regrading and repaving a section of South Grener Avenue between Sullivant Avenue to just south of Stiles Avenue. Work will also take place on the curbs, gutters and sidewalk on that stretch.

The second phase will involve the same work done on South Grener Avenue between Stiles and the northern most entrance to Home Depot.

The final phase will include installation of a modern “roundabout” near Home Depot, as well as any realignment that needs to take place.

The entire project is estimated to cost about $5.03 million, according to data given to the public at an informational community meeting in August. Two-thirds of the cost will come from the Ohio Public Works Commission grant and the rest will come from an interest-free, 20-year loan.

During the meeting March 25, residents asked trustees of plans to eliminate the pedestrian bridge at South Grener and Stiles.

According to Hatmaker, plans in Phase II do include removing the pedestrian bridge, due to clearance issues. The second phase would also include improving the crossing at Frost Avenue and Grener.

Trustee Nicole Schlosser added the township has the ability to work with Stiles Elementary School to receive a Safe Routes to School grant. Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Safe Routes to School program encourages schools and communities to encourage children in grades k-8 to walk or ride their bikes to school safely. Grants are awarded through ODOT.

Residents in the audience voiced concern over removing the pedestrian bridge altogether.
Trustee Stephen Kennedy affirmed the removal of the pedestrian bridge is included in the cost of Phase II. But, he added, he would like to review that plan.

“Its not decided yet,” he said. “I’d like to see a little more study done, like how many kids are using the bridge on a daily basis. I think it needs looked into.”

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