Splost Projects

SPLOST PROJECTS 2008 City of Duluth, Georgia June 19, 2008

Introduction The City of Duluth is continuing to make an extensive effort to create a vibrant Downtown through the development of access corridors and gateways to the newly created and beautiful Town Green. As a result, of the need to create these new gateways, the City of Duluth has participated in the development of multiple road and sidewalk projects that would create efficient and attractive gateways into the downtown corridor while promoting a pedestrian friendly environment. The various projects, that have been selected by the City of Duluth, have traditionally been funded through various grants and funds such as LCI, CMAQ, SPLOST & GDOT funds. However, the cost of development, match requirements and funding restrictions requires that the City of Duluth peruse alternative sources of funding. In addition to downtown needs the City hopes to implement many of the recommendations identified in the recently completed Master Park Plan. The City’s road resurfacing needs have grown beyond the City’s ability to handle from property taxes above.

Projected SPLOST Transportation Project The City of Duluth is seeking SPLOST funds to finance Transportation Improvement projects that would fall under three separate categories. Road Improvements – These are projects that include the extension and creation of public Right-of-Ways that can be utilized to assist in alleviating traffic congestion throughout targeted areas in the City. (Can include Land Acquisitions) Sidewalk Improvements - These are projects that construct or improve public sidewalks that can be utilized to promote a pedestrian friendly neighborhood environment. (Can include Land Acquisition). Street Resurfacing – The resurfacing and maintenance of existing public streets.

SPLOST FUNDS NEEDED For Road Improvements Although the City has LCI funds available for a portion of the aforementioned projects there is a need for SPLOST funds to assist in the financing. As a result, the City of Duluth is seeking 2008 SPLOST funds to finance the following three road projects that were identified as being key components to the development of a gateway to downtown. Three primary projects targeted for SPLOST funds include; Davenport Road Extension Ridgeway Road Extension Hospital Connector

History of Road Improvement Project’s The City of Duluth and its citizens have recognized the need to develop a coordinated plan to alleviate traffic throughout downtown and address the following concerns identified in past community workshops: Use of Highway 120 as a pass-through by commuters “ Traffic-choked” downtown Limited number of options to W. Lawrenceville Street and Highway 120 Intersection Deficiencies Unsafe Pedestrian Environment Lack of good sidewalks Lack of connections between neighborhoods and downtown Buford Highway is unsightly and dangerous for pedestrians. As a result, the City of Duluth sought LCI funding to finance four primary road projects that included ; Davenport Road Extension SR 120 Realignment Ridgeway Road Extension Hospital Connector

Hospital Connecter Description: This project involves the design and construction of a new connecting street from West Lawrenceville Street to Abbotts Bridge Road. In addition, the newly created connector street will also align the new intersection at SR 120 with the new Duluth High School Entrance. Purpose: As stated above, the newly constructed Right-of-Way will tie into West Lawrenceville Street at the intersection of McClure Bridge Road with the proposed development of a traffic control round-a-bout. As a result, this newly created intersection should provide a functional connector that improves safety, reduces congestion while maintaining a cost effective solution.

Hospital Connector As previously stated, this project involves a newly constructed Right-of-Way that will tie into West Lawrenceville Street at the intersection of McClure Bridge Road with the proposed development of a traffic control round-a-bout. In addition, the newly created connector street will also align the new intersection at SR 120 with the new Duluth High School Entrance. The City is seeking $500,000 in SPLOST funds to finance the following components of the project. $500,000 (Additional Construction Costs) Status: This total estimated project cost is $3,800,000 and has been primarily funded by 2004 LCI and 2005 SPLOST funds. The funds committed to this project total approximately $3,300,000 based on the following: 1) LCI Funds ($2,400,000 LCI + $316,500 Transferred from Ridgeway LCI = $2,716,500) 2) 2001 & 2005 SPLOST = $577,000. The environmental clearance is almost complete and Right-of-Way acquisition should begin this summer. Construction plans will be completed prior to ROW acquisition. Project should be ready for construction in Spring 2009 and completed by early 2010.

Ridgeway Road Extension Description: This project involves the extension of Ridgeway Road from the current termination point on to McClure Bridge Road at the intersection of West Lawrenceville Street. Purpose: As stated above, the newly constructed Right-of-Way will extend Ridgeway Road to West Lawrenceville Street at the intersection of McClure Bridge Road at the aforementioned proposed traffic control round-a-bout. As a result, this newly created intersection and extension should provide a functional connector that improves safety, reduces congestion while maintaining a cost effective solution.

Ridgeway Road Extension As previously stated this project involves the extension of Ridgeway Road from the current termination point on to McClure Bridge Road at the intersection of West Lawrenceville Street. This newly created intersection and extension should provide a functional connector that improves safety, reduces congestion while maintaining a cost effective solution. The City is seeking $2,000,000 in SPLOST funds to finance the following components of the project. $1,500,000 (Road Construction) $500,000 (Right-of-Way Acquisition) Status: This project was originally to be funded by LCI funds but has been determined to be ineligible. As a result, the existing LCI funds have been transferred to the Hospital Connector Project. Federal Highway Administration approval is no longer required so ROW acquisition can proceed without further delay. The Engineering and Design of the project is completed and construction can begin once ROW is acquired. Expected start of construction is Spring 2009 and completion of project should be early 2010.

Davenport Road Extension Description: This project involves the construction of Davenport Road from the intersection of Main Street and Buford Highway to the intersection of Hill Street and Hardy Street. Purpose: This project will connect by new construction the extension of Hill Street looping back to connect with the new location of Main Street. The project will continue by extending from Hill Street to cross over the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks and connect to Buford Highway at the Davenport Road intersection. As a result, this newly created intersection and extension should provide a functional connector that improves safety, reduces congestion while maintaining a cost effective solution.

Davenport Road Extension North

SR 120 Realignment Description: This project involves the widening of SR 120 from Hill Street to Buford Highway. The project will tie into the SR 120 Gateway development. Purpose: This project will widen the existing SR 120 from Hill Street to Buford Highway. The completion of this project will include additional lanes, traffic control devices and sidewalks that will contribute to more efficient traffic flow patterns throughout the downtown area while promoting a more pedestrian friendly environment.

Sidewalk Improvement Project’s The City of Duluth has set a goal to identify, repair and replace hazardous sidewalks and to construct incomplete sections of the sidewalk system over time in a continuous effort to promote a safe and pedestrian friendly environment for its citizens. As a result, the City has identified multiple sidewalk improvement projects that will be completed in addition to the aforementioned Road Improvement projects. The City is working towards achieving the goals of sidewalk construction and maintenance through the development of a “Master Sidewalk Plan”.

Master Sidewalk Plan The City of Duluth’s “Master Sidewalk Plan” is a long range multi-year plan for the construction of sidewalks throughout the city. The sidewalk plan has prioritized sidewalks based on safety and need along with the following guidelines: Priority Guidelines: Sidewalks serving schools are given the highest priority. Sidewalks serving parks, hospitals, libraries, and other public buildings are given next highest priority. Sidewalks serving higher density residential areas in close proximity to shopping is given the next highest priority. Residential neighborhoods fronting along high traffic streets are given the next highest priority. Linkage of neighborhoods and existing sidewalks within neighborhoods to the above listed sidewalk system is the next highest priority of sidewalks. Current Improvement Projects meeting the criteria of the City’s Master Sidewalk Plan and are targeted for SPLOST 08 funds include: - W. Lawrenceville - McClure Bridge Road - Other pending funds a) Pine Needle b) Howell Ferry

W. Lawrenceville/McClure Bridge Sidewalks Description: The proposed sidewalk improvements, which are being proposed, along West Lawrenceville and McClure Bridge Road will be in conjunction with the proposed Road Improvements previously identified. The need for the improvements will be the result of both new construction and the replacement of existing sidewalks throughout the targeted area. The total estimated cost for the projects, in which SPLOST funds are being requested, is $1,250,000. Purpose: The completion of the sidewalk projects will provide a safe and pedestrian friendly neighborhood environment while meeting the goals and objective’s set forth in the City of Duluth’s “Master Sidewalk Plan”.

Street Resurfacing The City of Duluth’s Public Work’s Department continuously works to keep City streets in a condition similar to the original condition that was present when they were constructed. As a result, the City’s Public Works Department will be utilizing SPLOST funds to fund the following projects: 1) - W. Lawrenceville / McClure Bridge - This project will consist of resurfacing the remaining portions of W. Lawrenceville Street and McClure Bridge Road to complete the aforementioned Road Improvement Projects. ($1,250,000) - Primarily be Grinding & Resurfacing - Yearly Resurfacing ( 5-year period) - This project will consist of yearly resurfacing of multiple City Street’s that are in need of maintenance. ($1,000,000)

Rogers Bridge Scott Hudgens W.P. Jones Taylor Park Church Street Central City It Starts in the Parks

Proposed SPLOST Projects as recommended by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Green space Park Land Rogers Bridge W.P. Jones Taylor Park

Rogers Bridge Park – Master Park Plan Concept

Rogers Bridge/Dog Park (Projected Goal)

Scott Hudgens Park – Master Park Plan Concept

W.P. Jones Park – Master Park Plan Concept

W.P. Jones Depot Replacement (Projected Goal)

Taylor Park- Playground (Projected Goal)

Church Street Park – Master Park Plan Concept

Project Costs Projected Costs for Park ($5,800,000) Dog Park ($50,000) Depot Replacement ($500,000) Taylor Park Playground ($250,000)

Other Targeted SPLOST Projects Stormwater - Repair & Replace Storm Water Pipes. ($250,000) - Backhoe for Storm Water Work ($50,000) Downtown Parking (Library) - Library Land Acquisition. ($1,510,000) Public Safety - Police Vehicles 5 years ($1,000,000) - Police Radio Replacements ($500,000) - Police & Court Software ($265,000) Historical & Cultural - Renovation of Methodists Church ($250,000) Roads & Sidewalks - Multiple Projects ($5,677,424)

TOTAL 2008 SPLOST The total projected costs of SPLOST projects is $16,000,000. The total SPLOST funds available is $23,000,000

Splost Projects

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