×

Potential plans for 3rd St. revamp

Public comment period open until Nov.15; open house held Wed.

Marietta’s engineering department fielded questions from city council members Wednesday concerning an Ohio Department of Transportation administered project to begin in 2018.

“The total project is a resurfacing and ADA curb ramp project,” explained City Engineer Joe Tucker during a public open house held in the Washington Elementary gymnasium Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. “The total project construction cost is $284,091 with construction engineering to cost about $28,409.”

But that cost will not be assumed by local dollars, he explained.

“It’s an 80/20 match but that 20 percent local match will be covered by toll credits and the 80 percent will be funded federally,” said Tucker.

Project Manager Dave Hendrickson said the project would also include a reworking of the system controlling the traffic signal at Third and Washington streets.

“This paving would run from Sacra Via to Washington on Fourth,” he said.

But as with most resurfacing projects, included in the project would be curb ramp improvements to meed standards outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Then there are two options we’re considering for greater pedestrian safety,” said Hendrickson.

Option A would include:

Remove the existing crosswalk and coinciding sidewalks from both the east and west sides of Third Street south of Warren Street to direct pedestrian traffic to only one crossing on Third Street between Washington and Montgomery streets.

≤ Add Rapid Flashing Beacons at the crosswalk north of the crosswalk that falls before Sacra Via North.

≤ Add two bump-outs on Third Street to reduce the distance pedestrians have to traverse on the street and reduce risk of vehicular traffic cutting around slowed vehicles and striking pedestrians crossing.

≤Add signage indicating road narrowing before bump outs.

Option B would include:

Remove the existing crosswalk and coinciding sidewalks from both the east and west sides of Third Street south of Warren Street to direct pedestrian traffic to only one crossing on Third Street between Washington and Montgomery streets.

≤ Add Rapid Flashing Beacons at the crosswalk north of the crosswalk that falls before Sacra Via North.

Councilman Tom Vukovic, D, 4th ward, said he was in favor of the bump outs because it would reduce the distance for children crossing the street in the line of traffic as well as the elderly.

The public comment period is open until Nov. 15 to take suggestions on the resurfacing and curb ramp project and both forms and information on the project can be found on the city’s website.

Comments can also be emailed to davehendrickson@mariettaoh.net.

Marietta City Council members also discussed an experimental green energy venture to come to Armory Square in the coming months Wednesday in council’s Lands, Buildings and Parks Committee meeting.

Council gave a unanimous blessing to Safety-Service Director Jonathan Hupp and City Law Director Paul Bertram to work out a trial period to test an electronic car charging station to be placed at the armory on Front Street.

Hupp explained to council that the installation of the station would not cost the city anything initially. A mobile app it would be connected to draw in travelers to charge.

Council discussed the cost of supplementing the charge at an estimated $3.50 per kilowatt-hour and said they would be supportive of that expense on a trial basis.

No date was given for when the station might be installed.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today