Planning

Over the past year, two important Road and Bridge Feasibility studies have begun in Morgan County. The first deals with a potential new river crossing between Malta/McConnelsville and Stockport; and the second is a multi-county study regarding State Routes 78 and 37, between the Ohio River and Lancaster.  Both studies have a number of local people serving in an advisory committee capacity. The bridge study began in August and the road study in December.  Following is an introduction that KZF Design has prepared for the preliminary report. 

 
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of constructing a new crossing of the Muskingum River within Morgan County, Ohio and identify potential locations for this crossing. This new crossing would generally be located south of the Villages of Malta and McConnelsville, and north of the town of Stockport.  A new crossing has been proposed to improve traffic circulation and safety within the valley, particularly during times of flooding. With the large upstream watershed of the Muskingum River, these periods of flooding can be rather frequent, causing local road closures and requiring lengthy detours.

A recent flood event in January 2005 closed several roadways along the riverbanks, including CR 4, SR 376 and the SR 37 bridge approaches. These road closings make truck or emergency vehicle circulation across the river difficult, and obstruct access to sites within the valley. A Federal Earmark was designated for this study in 2005 based on a request from the local officials whose concerns include condition of an existing county bridge (posted); roadway flooding near existing state route bridge; and maximizing potential to enhance economic development opportunities.

An old revolving steel truss bridge between the two villages has posted load limits preventing truck access, and is listed on the National Historic Register as a Historic Bridge, encumbering significant improvements. The historic bridge is viewed as a local resource and is to be maintained.

Flooding of other local roadways within the river valley likely extend roadway approaches to the bridge beyond the local bridge site. Improving the local roadways to protect against flooding does remain an option.

Additionally, local officials would like to see any potential crossing be located and designed to maximize the potential to enhance economic development opportunities within the project area, and Morgan County in general. The economic opportunities within Morgan County can be considered economically distressed, and the possibility to enhance any development cannot be overlooked.

Local project limits for a new bridge likely span CR 2 on the west riverbank and SR 376 along the east bank. With the above issues in mind, however, potential improvement of the local roadway system may extend as far as SR 377 on the hilltops to the west of the river valley, and SR 60 to the east. Big picture access includes US 50 (25 miles to the south), 1- 70 (25 miles to the north) and 1- 77 (15 miles to the east).

Additional funding for the project has not been secured and no project timeline has been developed. This project is categorized as an ODOT Major Project Development Project and this study will encompass Steps 1-4, (step description later in article) with a scheduled completion date of August 2007.
 
Project Objectives/purpose

Stakeholder Goals/Project Objectives

The project Advisory Group met on August 30, 2006 to begin work on the project and offer overall project guidance. At that time, the group defined the need for the crossing based upon three principals:

1. Safety - the flooding of area roadways limits traffic circulation along and over the river, including the access to the school and emergency response from Malta. The January 2005 flood limited school access to Parmiter Road, closing the high school.

2. Access to industrial sites - most apparent industrial sites within the region are along the river. Existing roadways (SR 376 or CR 2) are subject to flooding, in need of upgrading and route traffic through downtown Malta and/or McConnelsville.

3. Improved school access, shortening commute times and reducing transportation costs.

Project Development Process - ODOTPDP

The project is being developed in accordance with the 14 Step ODOT Project Development Process (PDP). The current study involves the first four steps on the PDP, within a 12-month schedule. Completion of Step 4 is scheduled for August, 2007. Steps 1 and 2 involve defining the study area, refining the project scope, gathering data on the existing conditions within the study area and developing a draft purpose and need for the project. This Existing and Future Conditions Report represents completion of Step 2 within this process.

Public Involvement Plan

Public involvement is an essential part of every step within the ODOT Project Development Process. This is especially true for the Muskingum River Crossing feasibility analysis, which is itself a product of public input and stakeholder prompting. The plan to incorporate stakeholder input and perspective in the early phases of this project involves working through an advisory group, representing all aspects of local stakeholders.