LIMA (March 26, 2015) – The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is seeking public comments regarding the following proposed projects:
Allen County
Augsburger Road Bikepath (PID: 94469) – The Village of Bluffton, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation, is proposing a project that will add a 10-foot-wide bike and pedestrian path along the north side of Augsburger Road. The new path will connect the existing pedestrian facilities in the village to the residential communities and Bluffton University Nature Preserve near the western limits of the village. This path is part of the Comprehensive Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan for the village of Bluffton developed by the village of Bluffton and the Bluffton Lions Club in partnership with the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission, Hancock Regional Planning Commission, Bluffton University, Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and other local supporters.
The Bluffton University Nature Preserve is a designated public recreational property that is owned and maintained by Bluffton University. As a designated public recreational property, the preserve is afforded protection under federal law. The use of federal funds requires measures be developed to minimize harm, and advance public notice be given of impacts to a recreational property.
To accommodate the construction of the path, some tree clearing will be required within the preserve during the 2016-2017 winter season. In addition, construction of the new path near the entrance of the preserve may temporarily disrupt access to the preserve for a few days during the summer of 2017.
Construction of the path is scheduled to occur in the summer of 2017.
Putnam County
M6-5.75 (PID: 98795) – The Putnam County Engineer, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation, is proposing a project to disassemble, clean, galvanize, and reassemble the bridge carrying Riley Township Road M-6 over Riley Creek in Putnam County. The existing bridge, also known as the Mallaham Bridge, was originally built in 1871 by David H. Morrison, a man regarded as one of the most important bridge engineers and manufacturers in Ohio in the 19th century. The unique design and historic significance of this bridge make it eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result, the rehabilitation of the bridge will be closely coordinated with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the historic integrity of the structure is maintained. Construction of this project is currently scheduled for fall of 2016.
More information on ODOT projects can be found here: www.dot.state.oh.us/districts/D01/PlanningPrograms/Projects
Comments may be made by contacting the individual listed below. Please provide comments within 15 days from the day this was published. To help expedite a response please provide the project name and PID number provided above as well as contact information. Comments without contact information cannot be responded to.
Project related issues the public may wish to comment on include, but are not limited to, historic or cultural resources, ecological resources and environmental justice issues.
For further information contact: Rhonda Pees, ODOT District 1, 419-999-6803; [email protected]
