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Reconstruction of Fairgrounds Road in Concord and Painesville Townships

 

The NOACA Governing Board approved the following project as a candidate to be amended to the NOACA Transportation Plan and in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) by adopting Resolution No. 2004-029 on June 11, 2004.

Title: Reconstruction of Fairgrounds Road in Concord and PainesvilleTownships
Sponsor: Lake County Engineer
Estimated Total Cost: $2,645,000
Proposed Source of Federal Funds: NOACA Controlled Funds

History/Background:
On October 2, 2003 the Board Lake County Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the Lake County Engineer to submit an application to NOACA for NOACA controlled funds to reconstruct Fairgrounds Road and widen the intersection at SR-84 (Johnnycake Ridge Road).

Current Conditions:
Fairgrounds Road (CR-331) is functionally classified as an urban collector. It is a two-lane facility with lanes ten feet (10’) wide and sidewalks five feet (5’) wide. The average daily traffic (ADT) on Fairgrounds Road is 5,350 vehicles per day (13% trucks) 2003 count. The posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour (mph).

SR-84 is functionally classified as an urban minor arterial. SR-84 is a two-lane facility with lanes twelve feet (12’) wide. The posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour (mph). According to traffic data collected by Traff-Pro Consultants, Inc on September 19, 2002, the intersection of SR-84 and Fairgrounds Road carries an (ADT) of approximately 15,900. Capacity and turning radius deficiencies currently exist at the SR-84/Fairgrounds Road intersection.

At the southern portion of the project area, there are two vertical curves that cause sight distance problems for vehicles attempting to enter Fairgrounds Road. Currently, surface drainage along Fairgrounds Road is an open ditch. Water collects in the ditches and drains into the US-20 storm sewer system. The inadequate surface drainage causes maintenance problems and premature failure of the pavement from the sub-base to the wearing surface

Proposed Project:
The proposed project involves the reconstruction of approximately 1 mile of Fairgrounds Road, from SR-84 in Concord Township to Woodland Road (approximately 0.2 mile south of US-20 (Mentor Avenue) in Painesville Township and includes widening the pavement from 20’ to 25’ (face to face of the curb).

The proposed project also involves work at the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and SR-84 to correct capacity and turning radius deficiencies, the vertical alignment problem and inadequate surface drainage. The sponsor proposes to replace the existing open ditch drainage along Fairgrounds Road and construct a curb and gutter type roadway to properly collect the water into a new storm sewer. The new storm sewer will begin at SR-84 and continue to an existing storm sewer pipe installed by the county in 2001. As part of the design process, the sub-base will be cored and determined as to the extent of the base reconstruction. All work will be completed within the existing right-of-way.

The total construction cost is estimated to be $2,645,000. Eighty percent ($2,116,000) can be funded with NOACA attributable Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds. The Lake County Engineer will provide the local match ($529,000).

Staff Comment(Summary):

  • This project is supportive of Goal #3 (Preserve and Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System) of NOACA’s Framework for Action 2025 and Goals #1 (System Preservation and Management) and #3 (Cooperative Planning Process and Transportation Efficiency) of ODOT’s Access Ohio.
  • Bicycle accommodation is poor. On the Lake County Bike Transportation Map, this road is categorized as for experienced cyclists only, but it is substandard for them also. The sponsor should meet with NOACA staff and, if appropriate, the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) pursuant to NOACA’s multimodal policy to discuss bike and pedestrian accommodation.
  • Advance to Committee and public review with the understanding that the sponsor will make a good-faith effort to address questions and comments


    • Intergovernmental Review (IGR):

    Public Involvement:

    Committee Review:
    Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee/Transportation Advisory Committee:
    No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA’s Transportation Plan.

    Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC):
    The BAC concurs with the staff assessment that bike accommodation is poor and recommends 2-1/2 foot shoulders and appropriate signage for bikes be included in the project.