A long-awaited road improvement project for Westenedge Drive is about to begin with a bid opening scheduled for this week.
Westenedge Drive, between U.S. 31 and Rocky Ford Road on Columbus’ north side, will receive an estimated $1.8 million in improvements, including improved sidewalks, a new side path, new drainage improvements and traffic calming features to reduce speed in the area.
Bids are scheduled to be opened Wednesday at Indiana Department of Transportation offices, city officials said.
Design work on the Westenedge project by Christopher B. Burke Engineering began in 2007, but was halted when neighbors along the north side of the street feared increased traffic and higher speeds would result on their neighborhood street, according to an announcement about the improvements released by the city of Columbus engineering office.
Working with the neighborhood residents, Dave Hayward, executive director of public works/city engineer, said the city has agreed to keep all improvements in the project contained within the existing 50-feet of right of way and no additional property will need to be acquired to do the work.
Hayward said the current design for road improvements is configured to keep speed on Westenedge Drive low, at or below 30 mpg, while also facilitating bicycle traffic and pedestrians in the neighborhood.
The city is focusing on design improvements that protect the neighborhood integrity, city officials said, and also those that address drainage and water quality.
The current project includes:
5-foot-wide sidewalk on the west side of the street
8-foot-wide side path on the east side of the street
Custom storm water collection and absorption system
Traffic calming system to reduce speeds
Utility improvements, including water and sewer service improvements.
The city is also considering future improvements to the section of Westenedge Drive from Rocky Ford Road to Parkside Drive, according to city officials.
Some preliminary design work has been done and some preliminary discussions have been held with residents, but no construction plans for the project have been scheduled, city officials said.
Hayward said he believes this may be the first work on Westenedge in more than 30 years. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, he said.
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2006: Initial plans for the project developed by Christopher B. Burke Engineering
March 2017: Columbus Board of Works signs contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering for $153,000 to design improvements
June 2018: Two-hour open house held at Columbus City Hall notifying public about proposed improvements
October 2018: Design expected to be completed for the project
April 2019: Bid opening scheduled
Spring 2019: Construction work expected to begin
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To learn more about city projects, visit columbus.in.gov/engineering.
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