The City of Ashland was recently notified by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) that we will receive up to $1,619,789 in federal funds for the U.S. 250 Pedestrian Improvement Project as part of ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program. Ashland’s grant allocation is a portion of $40.9 million in funding for 27 new traffic safety projects focused on protecting pedestrians and preventing roadway departures in 21 counties throughout the state.
“Our mission is to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future. However, safety shouldn’t be limited only to certain road types or locations,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks in an ODOT press release.
The U.S. 250 Pedestrian Improvement Project includes the installation of approximately one mile of an 11-foot wide multi-use shared path on the south side of U.S. 250 (East Main Street) from Sugarbush Drive to Montgomery Drive (former County Road 1575) and approximately 5,000 feet of a 6-foot sidewalk on the north side from Sugarbush Court to the Super 8 Motel/Taco Bell access drive. Additionally, new crosswalks will be installed at four signalized intersections along the corridor.
“The U.S. 250 corridor is one of the most heavily trafficked areas in our city for both pedestrians and motorists,” said Mayor Matt Miller. “This grant will finally allow us to remove pedestrian traffic off the roadway and onto a safer path for all.”
The estimated total cost of the project is $1,799,765 and the ODOT grant requires a 10% local match, in which the majority will be covered by a separate $150,000 grant from the State of Ohio legislature. The Project is scheduled for construction in 2026.
Public comments on the U.S. 250 Pedestrian Improvement Project will be accepted through Friday, November 15, 2024 and will be formally documented and considered as part of this Project’s application process. Comments can be submitted on the City of Ashland website.