HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-04 Public hearing7
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF
IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER
INTERESTED PERSONS:
Public notice is hereby given that the
City Council of the City of Iowa City,
Iowa, will conduct a public hearing on
plans, specifications, forms of contract
and estimated costs for the construction
of the: Rochester Avenue Bridge over
Ralston Creek Project in said city at 7:00
p.m. on the 4th day of December, 2012.
Said meeting to be held in the Emma J.
Harvat Hall in the City Hall, 410 E.
Washington Street in said city, or if said
meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting
of the City Council thereafter as posted
by the City Clerk.
Said plans, specifications, forms of
contract and estimated costs are now on
file in the office of the City Clerk in the
City Hall in Iowa City, Iowa, and may be
inspected by any interested persons.
Any interested persons may appear at
said meeting of the City Council for the
purpose of making objections to and
comments concerning said plans,
specifications, contracts or the costs of
making said improvements.
This notice is given by order of the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and
as provided by law.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
12 -04 -12
r
CITY OF IOWA CITY 7
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 27, 2012
TO: Tom Markus, City Manager
FROM: Ron Knoche, City Engineer
RE: Rochester Avenue Bridge over Ralston Creek
November 27 and December 4
Introduction:
This project will construct a new bridge over Ralston Creek on Rochester Avenue. Additional
sidewalk, stream bank stabilization, storm sewer and water main improvements will be made as
necessary within the project area from the east side of the new bridge to 7th Avenue. This
project is included in the capital program.
History /Background:
The existing Rochester Avenue Bridge, located between Montrose Avenue and Parsons
Avenue, is a 40' x 24' I -beam bridge built in 1934 with a 5' sidewalk located on the south side.
There is an aged wood truss pedestrian bridge that accommodates pedestrian traffic on the
north side. Currently, the bridge is listed as Structurally Deficient and the bridge deck, in poor
condition, is rapidly reaching the end of its useful life. In 2010, the bridge was posted for a 20
ton weight limit and speed / gear shifting restrictions were placed on City fire trucks and buses.
Currently, the south sidewalk between the bridge and 7th Avenue is not contiguous and water
main breaks in this area occur frequently due to the aging infrastructure. Significant stream bank
erosion can be observed downstream of the bridge.
Discussion of Solution:
The Rochester Avenue Bridge project will replace the existing two lane bridge with a new bridge
to carry two lanes of traffic, widened to match the existing street width, with sidewalks on both
the north and south sides. The new bridge will be designed to meet local and state guidelines
for traffic and pedestrians, and bridge aesthetics will be improved to enhance the neighborhood
and views of the creek. New water main will be installed and the sidewalk will be extended from
the east side of the bridge to 7th Avenue as part of this project. The plans include much needed
stream bank stabilization in these areas and a hydraulic analysis of Ralston Creek has been
completed to aid in the design. The project will be let by the Iowa Department of Transportation
on December 18, 2012 for completion of construction prior to the fall of 2013.
Financial Impact:
The total construction cost for this project is $1,137,983.70. $880,885.43 is eligible for an 80 /
20 cost share with the Federal Highway Bridge Program. The 20% local share and the
remaining $257,098.28 will be funded with Water Revenue and General Obligation funds.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the plans, specifications and estimate.