Title
Resolution to Submit a Funding Application under the Local Bridge Program to Perform Preventative Maintenance on the E. Medical Center Drive Bridge over the Wolverine Line
Memorandum
The attached resolution is a support document for the Local Bridge Program funding application being prepared for submission to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT.) Staff has prepared an application packet for the E. Medical Center Drive Bridge over the Wolverine Line (formally known as the Norfolk Southern Railroad) that requires preventative maintenance in order to keep it in good condition and maximize its service life.
The Local Bridge Program is funded with State and Federal funds. The program pays 95% of a project’s eligible construction costs. The local authority is required to fund the remaining 5% of the construction cost as well as 100% of the design, construction engineering, and material testing costs.
The deadline for delivery of the Local Bridge Program funding applications is May 1, 2018. This resolution authorizes the City to submit applications for Local Bridge Program funding with the intent to commit the necessary funds for design, construction engineering, testing, and the 5% match for construction cost should our bridge be chosen for funding.
Currently, the anticipated scope of preventative maintenance work that is planned is the complete removal and replacement of the existing paint system; removal and replacement of the expansion joint assembles; removal and replacement of the latex-modified concrete wearing surface; upgrading the guardrails; repair of the bridge railings; removal of the brush and trees that have grown immediately adjacent to the structures; and, other related work. Also, it may be necessary to remove and replace some corroded steel diaphragms under the expansion joints, however it will not be certain that work is necessary until a detailed inspection is performed as part of the final design of the project. The above referenced scope of work has been drawn from the bridge inspection was performed in Fall 2017.
Given the proximity and importance of this bridge to the University’s Medical Campus and the large proportion of University vehicular and pedestrian traffic that uses this structure on a daily basis, City staff will discuss the proposed preventative maintenance work with the appropriate University staff to discuss appropriate cost-sharing opportunities. City staff will also work to coordinate the proposed project scope and construction schedule with other nearby anticipated construction projects (such as the proposed intersection improvements at the Fuller Road/Maiden Lane/E. Medical Center Drive, the re-painting of the Fuller Road and Maiden Lane bridges, the border-to-border trail connection, and the Ann Arbor Station project.)
Although these applications are due May 1st, the revi
ew process is lengthy. The City will not learn the status of the application until early 2019.
Financial Impact
Approval of this resolution does not obligate the City to expend any funds at this time. The project is contained within the Capital Improvement Plan. Depending on the results of the funding application, the project will be further coordinated with other related work in the Capital Improvements Plan and scheduled accordingly.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, As a part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program, State and Federal funds will be available to repair bridges approved by the Local Bridge Program’s Advisory Committee;
Whereas, The E. Medical Center Drive Bridge over the Wolverine Line may qualify for State funding and requires preventative maintenance in order to keep it in good condition and maximize its service life;
Whereas, Funding under the Local Bridge Program provides for up to 95% of the relevant construction costs for each bridge; and
Whereas, It will be the City’s responsibility to pay for all design, construction engineering, and testing costs;
RESOLVED, That the City Council authorize the City Administrator to submit the applications for State funds available through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program for the needed preventative maintenance of the structure and that if this structure is chosen for funding, that the necessary funds be committed for the City’s share of the design, construction engineering, testing, and the 5% match for construction costs for these structures; and
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution shall be included with the Local Bridge Program funding applications and be forwarded to the appropriate Michigan Department of Transportation personnel for their review and consideration.