City hears study to remake 619 corridor; consultants recommend phased gateway project, pedestrian bridge and safety upgrades

Consultants from OHM presented a four‑phase plan for improvements along the 619 corridor to New Franklin City Council, emphasizing safety, pedestrian access and a phased funding approach.

The plan, funded by a grant from AMAS and prepared by OHM, recommends a first phase focused on a gateway area that would include sidewalks, a shared‑use path, a pedestrian bridge across the channel and a concept roundabout at a key intersection. "This is really the gateway," consultant Josh said, adding the design aims to "create that welcoming environment that people can come in and feel that they are part of the community." The consultants estimated the gateway (phase 1) at about $5,000,000 and the total corridor program at more than $10,000,000.

Why it matters: the corridor now lacks sidewalks or continuous pedestrian or bicycle facilities and has a pattern of rear‑end crashes tied to stop‑and‑go traffic, consultants said. Council members and staff raised questions about right‑of‑way impacts, sewer and water timing, and how to pay for construction.

Key details from the presentation

- Safety and multimodal access: The study identified frequent rear‑end crashes and large gaps in sidewalks and bike facilities. Consultants recommended sidewalks,…