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City awards design contract for U.S. Route 42 shared‑use path; ODOT agreement to follow
Summary
Council approved a design contract with Strand Associates not to exceed $264,448 and authorized an ODOT local-public-agency agreement so a grant-supported shared-use path along U.S. 42 can proceed from Hanover Drive toward SR‑741.
The Mason City Council on July 14 authorized the City Manager to accept a design proposal from Strand Associates for the U.S. Route 42 shared‑use path project and to enter into a Local Public Agency (LPA) agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for construction funding. The design fee was described in the ordinance as not to exceed $264,448.
City staff said the project will provide a key connection along U.S. 42 from near Hanover Drive to State Route 741 and will tie into existing paths near Heritage Oak Park and 741. Staff reported the project secured roughly $900,000 in Transportation Alternatives funding through the OKI regional program and that, because federal funds are involved, the city must follow ODOT design and procurement processes.
Design scope and unknowns: Strand’s base contract covers preliminary design work; additional authorized tasks may be needed if environmental permits, Army Corps coordination or additional right-of-way work are required. Staff noted the preliminary alignment is expected to be on the north side of U.S. 42 and that portions may tie directly into the park or connect at Hanover Drive depending on environmental constraints.
Why it matters: The path aims to improve nonmotorized access to downtown Mason and Heritage Oak Park, supporting active-transportation and recreation goals. Council members praised the project as a step toward connecting outlying neighborhoods to downtown and making walking and bicycling safer and more practical.
Next steps: Council authorized the design contract and the ODOT agreement; staff will complete design work, coordinate required environmental reviews and bring contract documents forward for construction funding and scheduling.
