STAYING WITH THE STORY
We have covered funding for U.S. Route 35 since the 1980s – a time when the Ohio Department of Transportation unveiled updated plans for the construction of an interchange at North Fairfield, Factory and Valley roads.
Beavercreek City Council and Beavercreek Twp. Board of Trustees have agreed to pay $250,000 a piece to help cover the $1.5 million needed for the local share of the U.S. Route 35 superstreet project.
On Monday during separate meetings, both local governments signed financial agreements with the county for the $15.8 million highway redesign project which will eliminate intersections and traffic signals along U.S. Route 35 in Beavercreek.
“We all have our wish list … but I think what we’ve arrived at is a fair and equatable solution to the funding for this superstreet,” said Beavercreek Mayor Bob Stone.
Construction could start sometime between 2018 and 2020, according to county officials.
Now, the project will move forward in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s project funding review process. ODOT’s Transportation Review Advisory Council will have a public hearing at 10 a.m. on Oct. 13 at the transportation agency’s headquarters, 1980 West Broad St., Columbus, according to the ODOT website. During the hearing sponsors will present their projects to TRAC and answer questions.
TRAC will hold two work sessions, scheduled for Nov. 2 and 15, before holding a draft list voting session on Dec. 14.
The proposed superstreets in the Factory Road and Orchard Lane areas are designed to restrict traffic on secondary roads from making a left turn to access the main highway. Drivers will have to make a right turn, then a U-turn.
The superstreet design alternative reduces the amount of time it takes to get through intersections and side streets and speeds up traffic, according to transportation experts.
Under the financial agreement approved by the city and Greene County Board of Commissioners will provide the entire local share up front and the city will have to reimburse the county.
The city will have to start making payments on the interest free loan no later than June 1, 2021, and will have to pay a minimum of $25,000 each year for the duration of the loan. The city has to repay the loan in full to the county no later than Dec. 31, 2026.
The township’s agreement with the county is similar to the city’s. The township will start making payments starting June 1, 2018 and the entire balance must be paid no later than December 31, 2027.
“This is a big collaboration for the undertaking of everyone involved,” said Beavercreek City Councilwoman Melissa Litteral. “I do think this will have an impact. I do think the impact is primarily more so in the county’s best interest. I also think this is significant for the township.”
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