Proposed project could build 1 to 3 crosswalks on Memorial Drive

Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
·3 min read

LANCASTER – Could Memorial Drive get some pedestrian crossings?

The Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) recently released a list of proposed transportation projects including crossings to be installed on Memorial Drive.

CORPO is seeking public comment on the proposed projects, including the local one, through 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5. The projects could collectively receive $1,102,426 in federal funds during state fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

Traffic travels at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Arlington Avenue on September 8, 2023, in Lancaster, Ohio.
Traffic travels at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Arlington Avenue on September 8, 2023, in Lancaster, Ohio.

CORPO received three requests for funding for transportation projects from three counties in the CORPO transportation planning area. The CORPO funds selection committee evaluated the submissions to determine alignment with the adopted CORPO Transportation Plan goals and objectives and ultimately recommended funding all three submissions at their full request, according to a news release.

“Before making any final decisions, it’s important for residents to have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed projects since their quality of life is most impacted,” said CORPO Senior Planner Mary Turner. “Public input ensures that decisions are well informed and consider a wide range of perspectives, concerns, and insights that we may not be aware of without this engagement.”

In July and early August, CORPO solicited projects to receive transportation funding in the CORPO transportation planning area, which encompasses the following seven counties: Fairfield County, Knox County, Madison County, Marion County, Morrow County, Pickaway County, and Union County.

These funds may be used for construction, expansion, reconstruction, preliminary engineering, right of way, or preservation of roads and bridges on any public road; capital costs for public transit and bus terminals; bicycle and pedestrian facilities; and other transportation-related activities.

The local project is described as:

  • Project Title: Memorial Drive Pedestrian Crossings

  • Project Length: 4,100 feet of roadway

  • Provide 1 to 3 crosswalks across Memorial Drive

  • Pedestrian access (sidewalk), where none currently exists, along Memorial Drive from Whitter Drive to Arlington Ave

  • Provide pedestrian access (sidewalk) along Pierce Avenue, where none currently exists, from Memorial Drive to the existing sidewalk just south of River Valley Blvd.

  • Pedestrian access (sidewalk), where none currently exists, along Memorial Drive from Whitter Drive to Arlington Ave

  • The envisioned project will include approximately 6,462 linear feet of new sidewalk

  • Provide a feasibility study, alternative evaluation reports, Stage 1 Design, right-of-way plans, Stage 2 Design, Stage 3 Design, and final plans for the following project

Memorial Drive is described as "a congested, 5-lane thoroughfare, running northwest to southeast, that was previously a state road before the 33 By-pass was built. Now owned and maintained by the City of Lancaster, Memorial Drive is the primary commercial corridor through Lancaster with auto dealers, big box stores, strip malls, an indoor mall, and chain restaurants and grocery stores."

The project is expected to reduce pedestrian-related crashes, provide safe access for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users, and install sidewalks where they currently do not exist.

This project proposes to conduct the engineering design phases and cover a portion of the right-of-way acquisition expense to begin the project. As a result, with final plans in place, the City of Lancaster will seek additional funding for the remainder of the ROW acquisition costs and the construction phase.

The amount of CORPO funds would be $252,426, which would be about 80% of the total costs, according to the submission document.

The proposed projects recommended for funding are available on the CORPO webpage. Printed copies of the draft listing are available upon request by calling MORPC at 614-233-4138.

Public comments on the proposed projects must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Oct. 5, via e-mail to CORPO@morpc.org or in writing to:Mary Turner, Senior Planner, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Proposed project could build 1 to 3 crosswalks on Memorial Drive