[Council Communication] [Walkway/Bikeway Agreement]

Council Communication

Title:	Approval of Agreement No. 20,858 - Walkway / Bikeway Project Agreement Street between the City of Ashland and the Oregon Department of Transportation at Lithia Way and Oak
Dept:	Public Works Department
Date:	June 17, 2003
Submitted By:	Paula Brown
Approved By: ...........................	Gino Grimaldi, City Administrator

Synopsis:	The attached agreement provides ODOT grant funds, in an amount up to $35,500, to design and construct two curb extensions at the intersection of Lithia Way (Rogue Valley Highway (OR 99)) and Oak Street. The City requested the initial grant in July 2002 and the project would have included the in-pavement runway lights for the crossings. The City was ranked low on the list of eligible projects and did not receive the grant funds initially, but was informed last month that additional funds were available. State traffic engineers debated the installation of this lighted crosswalk and determined that the intersection of Lithia and Oak was not the best location for testing the system. ODOT did agree to the pedestrian safety improvements and is providing this grant through the State Highway Trust Fund, which are to be expended by the State and the various counties and cities for the establishment of footpaths and bicycle trails.
Recommendation:	It is recommended that Council approve Agreement No. 20,858 - Walkway / Bikeway Project Agreement at Lithia Way and Oak Street between the City of Ashland and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Fiscal Impact:	City has estimated the project cost to be $40,000. The State will fund up to $35,500 with the City providing a match of $4,500. The City will be responsible for any portion of the project, which is not covered by State funding, including any portion of the project, which exceeds the estimated total cost. The State's agreement also requires the City to maintain the improvements (bump outs and crosswalk markings) upon completion of the project. The City currently maintains the ladder style crosswalks, and the maintenance of the curb bump outs is anticipated to be negligible.
Background: