Found below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. For
a printable version, please go here.
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1. What is the purpose of this project?
The purpose of the Orange Road Bridge project is to provide
a safe and efficient river crossing.
2. Why are you doing this project?
The existing bridge is structurally deficient and functionally
obsolete based on its reduced structural capacity, width
and sight distance. The following deficiencies define
the need for the improvement: Structural Capacity
The existing bridge is structurally deficient and was reduced
to a three-ton weight limit in April 2005. The county implemented
the reduction because of severe degradation.
Width
The existing bridge, approximately 16-feet wide, can only
handle one car crossing at a time. The bridge should accommodate
at least two-way traffic and fulfill the requirements of
Orange
Road’s functional classification to limit
delays.
Sight Distance
The existing bridge is higher than the road and obstructs
a driver's view as they approach and drive across the bridge.
3.
What areas were studied?
The study area includes:
- West Orange Road (Township
Road 114), starting at the intersection of State
Route 315 and proceeding approximately one-half
mile east.
- The existing bridge on West Orange Road
that spans over the Olentangy River.
- Carriage Road (Township
Road 334), starting at the intersection of State Route
315 and proceeding approximately 800
feet west.
For maps of the project area, please go here.
4. What factors led to the selection of the
preferred alternative?
The preferred alternative was selected by the Delaware County
Engineer and the rest of the project team. A number of different
alternatives were evaluated on criteria including the following:
- Sight Distance
- Travel Capacity
- Safety
- Environmental Impacts
- Property Impacts
- Impacts to the Existing Historic Bridge
5. What is the schedule for this project?
It is estimated that the engineering and public involvement
will be underway through most of 2007.
Although much depends on coordination with other public
agencies, it is anticipated that any construction will
not occur until 2008, and would likely take about 12
months to complete.
6. Are you going to take my property?
If additional easements or right-of-way is required to implement
the selected alternative, all affected property owners
will be contacted. Delaware County is required to purchase
any easements or right-of-way at fair market price as determined
by qualified appraisers.
7. Who is going to pay for this project and how much will
it cost?
It is anticipated that the project will be funded with
Delaware County road and bridge dollars. These funds are
specifically earmarked for road and bridge construction.
Cost estimates will be made; however, most of the cost
of the project is related to the construction of the bridge.
Since no decision on the proposed bridge has been made,
it is still too early to know what the total project cost
will be.
In evaluating the five alignment alternatives, it was estimated
that the roadway portion of each alternative would be comparable,
based on the amount of construction required for each one.
The Engineer’s Office is committed to providing the
most feasible improvement that can be made for the residents
of Delaware County, and this may not be the cheapest solution.
Therefore, cost was not a factor used in the evaluation of
the alternatives; instead, the factors that were considered
included safety, mobility, environmental and property impacts
and other criteria. Cost will be examined more closely in
comparing the various bridge options and other design elements
for the preferred alternative.
8. Are the Ohio Department of Transportation and
other government agencies on board with the project?
ODOT has given Delaware County conceptual approval of the proposed roundabout
plan. Delaware County is also meeting with the other necessary government agencies
to discuss the project. The county is dedicated to providing the design that
best serves the entire Delaware County community, based upon results of research,
preliminary engineering and public input.
9. Can the existing bridge be converted into
a pedestrian facility, such as a bike path or walking
path? Will a pedestrian facility be added to Carriage
Road?
The preferred alternative would allow the existing structure to remain at its
current location with the approval of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Relocating the bridge to another site would be another potential use. Delaware
County could coordinate with Liberty Township and other agencies to evaluate
making the necessary modifications to the existing bridge for pedestrian use.
10. Why is this project moving ahead of improvements
to Home Road/State Route 315 and State Route 750 (Powell
Road)/State Route 315?
State Route 750 (Powell Road) and State Route 315 are under the jurisdiction
of ODOT, and thus Delaware County cannot force the improvement of these routes.
Home Road improvements are not on the same timeline
as the Orange Road project due to the severe degradation
of the existing Orange Road Bridge. Improvements to Home
Road will occur in the future, but the severe structural
condition of the Orange Road bridge warrants the urgency
of the Orange Road bridge project to maintain this important
intra-county travel corridor.
11. What measures will be taken to calm traffic
on Carriage Road if volumes increase based on the construction
of a multiple lane bridge?
The ultimate decision regarding implementation of traffic calming techniques
or any improvements to Carriage Road is up to Liberty Township. At the request
of the trustees, the County Engineer studied various traffic calming techniques
that would be appropriate for Carriage Road and presented these findings to the
trustees in an August 2006 report. The County Engineer would like to continue
to be a supportive partner in whatever decision is made in this matter.
12. Will Orange Road be widened?
Any improvements to Orange Road by the Delaware County Engineer’s Office
would be limited to the approaches of the bridge. The remainder of the road falls
under the jurisdiction of Liberty and Orange Townships and any widening or other
improvements would be at the discretion of the respective townships.
13. How will traffic be maintained during the
construction of the bridge?
The preferred alternative could allow traffic to be maintained throughout most
of the project construction. The methods of maintaining traffic on State Route
315 will be determined once detailed design begins.
14. Will the existing Orange Road Bridge remain
open before construction begins?
The Delaware County Engineer’s Office has every intention to keep the existing
bridge open as long as possible to minimize disruptions to traffic. The county
will continue to monitor the condition of the bridge and anticipates that it
will remain open through 2008
15. If you have already selected the preferred
alternative, why do my views matter?
The County Engineer is committed to making a decision that best serves the entire
Delaware County community and one that makes prudent use of taxpayer dollars.
Your input continues to be an important part of the project development process.
There are still several key elements to which Delaware County needs your input,
including what should be done with the existing bridge and what types of aesthetic
design elements should be incorporated into the project?
16.
How can I share my views and stay informed about
the project?
There are several ways you can share your views and
stay informed about the project:
The Orange Road Bridge project is being designed
by the Delaware County Engineer’s Office and WD
Partners.
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