Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Washtenaw County Connecting Communities Grant for the Replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) for the replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge in Barton Nature Area.
The Connecting Communities grant program provides up to $600,000.00 a year to communities in Washtenaw County for the development of non-motorized trails. Applications are evaluated based on established criteria such as sustainable design features, providing critical access, planned network connectivity, financial need of applicant, and past grant assistance. The grant requires a commitment to maintain the proposed facilities to be safe and open for use by the general public for a minimum of twenty years, if constructed.
The South Barton Bridge is a 304-foot-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Huron River within Barton Nature Area. The bridge serves as a key connection along both the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel. With the tunnel now open and providing enhanced access to Barton Nature Area, trail use across the bridge has increased significantly.
Constructed in 1991, the bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life. In addition to structural concerns, the existing 8-foot clear width does not meet current bicycle and pedestrian design standards. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommends a 14-foot clear width for shared-use bicycle facilities. Replacement of the bridge provides an opportunity to bring the structure up to current standards and improve the overall trail and park user experience.
City staff retained OHM Advisors to conduct a bridge alternatives analysis ...
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