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Council advances funding for Stimpson, Richland and Strouds Run bridge projects; planners promise maintained traffic flow during Stimpson work
Summary
Council read ordinances to fund rehabilitation of the Stimpson Avenue bridge and to authorize design and repairs for Richland and Strouds Run bridges. The Stimpson rehabilitation carries an estimated $5.3 million authorization and will include a separated shared‑use path; officials said traffic flow will be maintained during construction.
Athens City Council reviewed ordinances on Jan. 21 to advance work on three bridge projects: a full rehabilitation of the Stimpson Avenue bridge and design/maintenance work on the Richland Avenue and Strouds Run bridges.
Ordinance 08‑25 would amend 2025 appropriations and authorize engineering and construction for the Stimpson Avenue Bridge rehabilitation (project number 358). The ordinance text shown in council reads as authorization to expend up to $5,300,519 — $4,470,590 from a small cities ODOT fund and $830,000 from the street rehabilitation fund — to replace the bridge deck and parapets, rehab and paint beams, repair abutments, install decorative lighting, and add a separated shared‑use path on the upstream (southern) side of the bridge.
Mayor Patterson and staff said they intend to maintain traffic flow through the Stimpson corridor during construction, similar to the city’s prior Richland Avenue bridge work. “It will be signalized with traffic flow maintained through Stimpson Avenue across the bridge,” the mayor said, and staff committed to advance signage and communications to discourage cut‑through traffic in nearby narrow neighborhoods while work is underway.
Ordinance 09‑25 authorizes advertisement for bids and contracting for design, maintenance and additions to the Richland Avenue bridge over the Hocking River and the Strouds Run bridge over U.S. 33 (project number 381). Council discussion noted concerns about graffiti and pedestrian safety on the Strouds Run structure and described plans to reapply protective coatings and add fencing or barriers where needed; the text includes a proposed appropriation of about $240,000 and a total authorization of $262,000 from the street fund for project 381.
Why it matters: the Stimpson Avenue bridge carries vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic and provides a key east–west connection. Officials emphasized the importance of limiting disruption for businesses and residents while addressing structural needs and improving pedestrian access.
Public commenters supported the Stimpson project. Andrew Guittarelli, a member of the city’s pedestrian and bicycle task force speaking as a private citizen, urged consideration of a physical barrier between the shared‑use path and vehicle lanes and welcomed the improvements for pedestrian access to nearby businesses.
Council members asked for robust communication and signage plans to discourage neighborhood cut‑through driving during construction; one council member suggested exploring lowering speed limits or installing radar speed signs as long‑term traffic‑calming measures on Pomeroy and other streets.
What happens next: the ordinances were read at first reading; if appropriations and contracting authorization proceed, the service/safety director will advertise for bids and the administration expects to move forward with design and procurement steps.
