STUDY AIMS TO IMPROVE ACCESS NEAR DAYTON MALL

Improving pedestrian access along Ohio 725 near I-75 a priority for Miamisburg, Miami Twp.

Improving pedestrian access along Ohio 725 near Interstate 75 calls for changes on both sides of the state route, but the project’s $2.5 million cost will likely require outside funding.

Upgrades along Ohio 725 from Byers Road in Miamisburg to Ohio 741 in Miami Twp. are a priority for both communities. The area includes the Exit 44 interchange ramps and is a heavily traveled gateway for both jurisdictions. Improving the stretch of road is part of long-term plans to improve the Dayton Mall area that is now being marketed as the Miami Crossing District.

“A preferred alternative has been developed that will accomplish the modal goals of the project, offer adequate opportunities for aesthetic enhancements and provides sufficient design detail to understand construction costs,” according to the study done by LJB Inc.

It calls for the construction of a sidewalk along the north side of 725 from the Byers Road to 741, according to the study. The plan also includes construction of a side path along the south side of 725 from the Byers to Prestige Plaza Drive.

The proposal is the least expensive of four alternatives outlined in a study commissioned by the Miami Twp.-Dayton Mall Joint Economic Development District Board. Three others are expected to cost about $3 million, according to the study.

The joint panel created by the township and the city has budgeted $100,000 both this year and last year, and funding the improve-

ments “will be a challenge going forward,” said Miami Twp. Community Development Director Chris Snyder, a member of the JEDD board.

Aside from the Ohio 725 area, the board must consider other areas targeted for redevelopment in the mall area plan, he said.

“Obviously, in going forward, the question of the JEDD board and budgeting is do we budget money every year,” Snyder said during a recent board meeting.

The board plans to apply for funding through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, which is administered by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. The CMAQ program supports “surface transportation projects and other related efforts that contribute air quality improvements and provide congestion relief,” according to the Federal Highway Administration’s website.

Miami Twp. has been awarded more than $1 million in CMAQ funds for similar pedestrian access improvements along Lyons Road from Byers to 741.

Other options include State Infrastructure Bank loans, a low-interest option that has been used by Miamisburg for Byers improvements and the Austin Center JEDD for upgrades at that interchange.

The study indicates the next steps should include:

Identifying the phasing structure and pursuing outside funding for the project;

Securing grant money for the design, right-of-way acquisition or construction and construction engineering;

Developing plans for connections of these facilities with similar bicycle and pedestrian improvements on adjacent or connecting roadways; and

Coordinating construction plans with the Ohio Department of Transportation.