Project Q&A
Why is this project needed?
These improvements are needed because the pavement on Salem Avenue is deteriorated and failing, as it was originally constructed over 100 years ago. The cycle track is being added in order to make the street consistent with the City of Dayton’s Complete Streets policy and Federal Highway Administration Guidance that projects should, where possible, seek to accommodate all facility users (including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians).
How is this project funded?
These projects will be funded using a combination of Federal STP and CMAQ funds, Ohio Public Works Commission funds, and City of Dayton general capital funds.
Who proposed this project and who is responsible for oversight?
The City of Dayton applied for and received federal transportation funds through the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. ODOT, as steward of the federal funds, will provide oversight of the project.
How will the project affect parks within the corridor?
There is a City-owned small pocket park at 424 Salem Ave. The project will require approximately .02 acres of permanent right of way and .02 acres of temporary right of way from this park. The project's involvement with this park is considered a "de minimis" impact. There is also the City-owned Jane Reece Park west of the intersection of West Riverview Avenue and Salem Avenue. The project will have no involvement with this park.
What will be done with the area currently occupied by the dual right turn lanes from Riverview Avenue to Salem Avenue?
The dual right turn lanes from Riverview Avenue to Salem Avenue will be removed and turned into a landscaped area.
Will pedestrian facilities be improved?
These projects will install new sidewalks on both sides of the street with a minimum width of 6.5' if at back of curb or 5' with a treelawn. New raised concrete pedestrian islands will be installed at Federal Street and Plymouth Avenue intersections for improved pedestrian safety. Curb ramps will be updated as needed for ADA-compliance.
How will the project affect bus access?
Greater Dayton RTA bus routes along Salem Avenue will remain in service during construction, although temporary stop closures and relocations may be necessary for safety reasons.
What is a cycle track and why doesn't it extend through the whole corridor? Why a cycle track instead of bike lanes?
A cycle track is a two-way separated lane for bikes only. The roadway narrows north of North Avenue and does not allow enough width to include the cycle track without removing through traffic lanes. Grand Avenue was a logical stopping point to allow cyclists to travel on Grand to the bike lanes on Broadway. A separated cycle track is preferred as opposed to bike lanes due to the high traffic volumes and speeds on Salem Ave.
What type of amenities will be offered with this project?
Decorative street lights, similar in look to those on South Main Street and Brown Street, will be installed with this project. Decorative crosswalks are being considered at each signalized intersection as the project budget allows.
How will traffic be maintained during construction?
Traffic will be maintained with at least one lane in each direction open on Salem Avenue. Cross streets may be closed. Detours will be posted for all closures. Pedestrian access will be maintained on at least on side of the street at all times.
Will right-of-way acquisition be required?
Minor temporary right-of-way will be needed along much of the corridor, to provide for construction access. Minor permanent right-of-way will be needed for sidewalk. Affected property owners will be contacted at a later date to discuss the right-of-way needs, the acquisition process, and property owner rights under the process.
Will any historic properties be affected?
An evaluation of the corridor for historic resources, and the project's effect on any identified historic properties, will be undertaken as part of the environmental review of the corridor. The project will require limited temporary and permanent right-of-way from within the boundary of Steele's Hill-Grafton Historic District. None of the properties along the corridor have been previously identified as individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
What about parking?
On street parking will be eliminated or restricted to off-peak hours on the east side of Salem from Grand Avenue to North Avenue. Protected parking lanes with bumpouts will be added to the east side of Salem Avenue from Grand Avenue to Plymouth Avenue.
Why didn't this project happen sooner?
Many factors go into developing a schedule for construction of a federal aid project of this size. In addition to providing time for data collection, project design, and quality control review, the schedule must also provide for public involvement, environmental review, environmental permitting, right of way negotiations, and utility relocations.
Why can't these moneys be used elsewhere or on more urgently needed improvement?
The money from the federal government for this project is specifically allocated to pay for the sections of Salem Avenue being reconstructed.
Will the project be ADA compliant?
Yes. All pedestrian facilities within the corridor will be evaluated and upgraded as needed for ADA compliance.
Will property access/driveway configurations be affected?
Unused/inactive driveways will be removed as part of this project. Active driveways will be reinstalled in their current locations.
How will utilities be impacted by this project? When will utility relocations occur?
Currently, impacts to utilities are expected to be limited to the publicly owned street lighting and storm sewer within the corridor. Replacement of the lighting and resetting of catch basins will occur during the project construction. If private utilities are found to require relocation, these relocations will be preformed by the individual utility owners and may take place several months prior to the actual project start.
How will the roadway cross section change?
The roadway cross section will not change from Manhattan Avenue to Grand Avenue. South of Grand Avenue, the roadway cross section will include a two-way cycle track with two through lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. A parking lane will be included on the east side of Salem Avenue from Grand Avenue to Plymouth Avenue. The existing sixth lane that develops south of Federal Street to Riverview Avenue will be removed.