FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the general scope of the Wapakoneta Phase I Project?
- Remove existing roadway
- Widening roadway to support three lane widths
- Installing an added center turn lane
- Modifying traffic control devices
*Upgrade of Hoewisher signal & removal of Parkwood signal
- Adding sidewalk, curbs, and gutters
*plans do not include sidewalks on East side North of Hoewisher
- Installing additional stormwater utilities underground
- Relocating and upgrading existing water and sewer utilities
- Removing Dixie Drive north of Parkwood St.
- Widening and dedicating Wapakoneta Ave Right of Way “ROW” for roadway
purposes
- Vacating Dixie Drive (utility easements remain unchanged)
- Donating vacated ground (i.e. Dixie Drive) to adjacent land owners
- Extending affected residents single drives (as existing) with a turnaround
- Grading and seeding areas affected by the construction
How much will this roadway improvement cost the City and
residents?
- It is estimated that the cost to the City will be ~$162,000 out of a total $3.2
million project. That is only about 5% of the project value. There will be no
construction costs charged to residents. Actual cost will be determined after
the bidding and the project is completed.
What material will be used to construct extended driveways along
Wapakoneta Avenue?
- Drives will be extended with materials that are like residence’s existing
drives (i.e. gravel, concrete or asphalt). Additionally, a “turn around” section
will be added for safe backing up and pulling forward onto Wapakoneta
Avenue.
Why vacate Dixie Drive? It will just create higher property taxes for
those adjoining the street.
- Dixie Drive is in need of repair and does not serve a great deal of residents
as a “public” road. Keeping Dixie Drive open would require funds to maintain
or reconstruct it. Thus, other major City roadways would suffer from this
maintenance or construction expense.
The added land given to adjoining property owners on the east side of Wapak
would be an ~25 ft. width strip added to the west side of adjoining properties.
This equates to about $12 to $16 in additional property taxes per year, but an
increase in land value of about $750 to $1,000 per property (based on 4
properties immediately north of Parkwood St on the east side of Wapak Ave).
Who will be responsible to cut the grass up to Wapakoneta Ave?
- As with other parcels within the City, property owners will be responsible to
cut the grass and aesthetically maintain the property to the face of the curb
along Wapakoneta Avenue.
Who is responsible for maintenance of the sidewalk, curb & gutter
in front of properties? How much will the new installations cost
the property owners?
- Once installed, adjoining property owners will responsible to maintain the
sidewalk, while the City will be responsible for maintenance of the curb &
gutter. The new curb, gutter and sidewalk will be installed with no cost to
property owners.
Will the speed limit along Wapakoneta Avenue be changed after
the three lanes are installed and construction is completed?
- The speed limit will remain at 35 mph along Wapakoneta Avenue unless a
future engineering traffic study recommends otherwise.
Why remove the traffic signal at Parkwood?...Doesn’t a traffic
signal reduce crashes?
- The need for any traffic signal must be based on a competent
engineering study and meet specific traffic standards. The traffic signal at
Parkwood and Wapak Ave does not meet current requirements for keeping a
traffic signal. This project is contingent on removing the signal.
Traffic signals don't always prevent crashes. In many instances, the total
number of crashes and injuries increase after they're installed. While a
“properly placed” traffic signal improves the flow and decreases crashes, an
unnecessary one can be a source of danger and annoyance to all who use an
intersection, such as pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Studies have shown
that “unwarranted” traffic signals increase the total intersection delay.
If traffic volume increases along Wapakoneta Avenue after these
improvements are made, will a traffic light be reinstalled at the
Parkwood intersection?
- If City staff becomes aware of increased volumes at various City
intersections, traffic counts are taken so as to check volumes at these
intersections. If a traffic signal is “warranted” per the “Ohio Manual of Traffic
Control Devices” (OMUTCD), project cost estimates would be recommended
during a future City budget year for installation of a new traffic signal.
Will there be more traffic, including trucks, traveling past my home
on Wapakoneta now that it will be widened to three lanes?
- No significant increase in traffic is expected. However, City Engineering will
keep tabs on any future volumes, accidents and/or noise concerns along this
stretch of roadway. It will remain as a two lane thoroughfare, but with a safer
center turn lane advantage.
When will construction begin?...When will it be completed?
- Construction is expected to begin in June of 2011 and be completed by mid-
November 2011.
When will the second phase of the Wapakoneta Reconstruction
take place?
-The City applied for a Small Cities Grant through ODOT in the spring of 2010 for the second phase (from Parkwood Street, south to Russell Road). Later in the year the City was notified of the grant award, and thereafter executed an agreement that will provide for construction of this phase in 2013. The funding is based on 80% ODOT, 20% local share. Potential OPWC funds will be applied towards the 20% local share.
I live along Wapakoneta Avenue. Will I be able to drive to my home
during construction?
- The contractor will attempt to maintain traffic to all properties throughout
this project. However, here will be times such as when concrete is curing or
when equipment is located in front of your residence that you may not be
able to immediately access your drive. However, “through traffic” on
Wapakoneta Avenue will be detoured around the project.
Who can we call with questions and concerns before, during and
after this project?
- Residents, businesses and property owners needing more information
regarding this project may call or e-mail the following City personnel:
Nick Miller, P.E., P.S.
Assistant City Engineer
937-498-8716
nmiller@sidneyoh.com
Scott Landon, P.E.
City Engineer
937-498-8140
slandon@sidneyoh.com