FLCC> Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge petition

[David Ruppert]

I received this petition yesterday and, since it is of interest to 
cyclists, I'm forwarding it to the list.

Dave



Subject:  	[shca-list] URGENT--Petitions for TEP applications
Date: 	Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:41:03 -0400
From: 	Maria Coles <mcoles at cityofithaca.org>
To: 	South Hill Civic Association <shca-list at yahoogroups.com>


Hello All,

I am writing with an urgent request that you consider adding your name 
to the petition below and reply to me before July 26.

As you know, or probably know, the City is planning to submit two TEP 
applications (for info on the TEP program, see: 
https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/programs/tep ).

One of the applications is for funds for the essential and urgent 
reconstruction of the Columbia Street Bridge.
1. Rehabilitate the Columbia St. Pedestrian Bridge ... info. includes:
Existing Conditions
The Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge provides a critical connection 
between the Ithaca neighborhoods on South Hill and East Hill. Due to the 
Six Mile Creek Gorge, over which this bridge traverses, there are no 
other pedestrian crossing points within a close proximity. Though 
primarily a bridge for pedestrian  use, bicyclists  use the bridge as 
well, and the bridge supports a 12 inch water main and a 13 inch sewer main.

The bridge was constructed in 1970, spans approximately 320 feet, is six 
feet wide and is in generally poor condition. The approaches to the 
bridge are of poor condition as well. Despite the deteriorated condition 
and non-compliance with current safety standards, the bridge remains 
open because of its importance to the local pedestrian travel network.

Proposed Improvements/Scope of Work
Based on a bridge inspection performed in 1995 by Modjeski & Masters and 
an evaluation by LaBella Associates in April 2008, a number of 
rehabilitative measures are proposed:
1.      Bridge deck replacement
2.      Bridge railing replacement
3.      Cleaning and painting of structural steel
4.      Resetting of the bearings at the north abutment
5.      Removal and replacement of abutment backwalls and bridge 
expansion joints
6.      Removal and resetting of the light poles and standards
7.      Replacement of select steel bracing members and utility supports
8.      Installation of scour protection at the north pier footing
9.      Clearing and grubbing of trees/branches at and below bridge
10.     Cleaning and painting approach railing
11.     Minor landscape upgrades at approaches

In addition to the critical rehabilitative measures listed above, a 
number of additional measures are proposed so as to maximize the safety, 
utility, and attractiveness of this facility. These measures include:
1.      New bridge and approach lighting system
2.      Reconstruction of approaches to include landscape features such 
as new curbing, sidewalks, plantings, bollards, railings, benches, and 
new drainage inlets and piping
3.      Removal and installation of new insulation and jacketing on 
water and sewer mains
4.      New streetscape features at Columbia Street intersection such as 
crosswalks, wheelchair accessible ramps and limited reconstruction of 
the cobbles at one approach
5.      Removal and replacement of the access stairway at the south abutment
6.      Installation of a deck snow melt/heating system
7.      Miscellaneous concrete repair of abutment stems and approach 
retaining walls


As part of the application, we need to include resolutions, petitions, 
and letters of support to show that the community supports the proposed 
projects.

If you think this is an important project, and would like to support the 
application for  TEP funds, please add your name to the list below, and 
reply to me.

Maria Coles
Gerald Coles

Kent Johnson
Transportation Engineering Technician
Office of the City Engineer
City of Ithaca
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 274-6528, (607) 327-0316 (cell)
kjohnson at cityofithaca.org

Maria Coles, Alderperson
City of Ithaca, First Ward
Chair, City Administration & Budget Committee
607:272-0106
mcoles at cityofithaca.org
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Marin Clarkberg
Associate Director
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