The Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project in Lakewood has secured $2.94 million in grants from the state of Ohio in support of bicycle and pedestrian safety.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Lakewood's Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project, "a complete roadway, sewer, and water rehabilitation" that will stretch from Lakewood Heights Boulevard to Clifton Boulevard, has received nearly $3 million in grants from the state of Ohio.
On Wednesday, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced the awarding of nearly $52 million from the Transportation Alternatives Program to support 44 projects that promote safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic statewide.
The Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project will receive $2.94 million. The project is also being funded by the city of Lakewood and money from the NOACA Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program. 3News media partner Cleveland.com reported last year that the city of Lakewood had allocated $21 million for the project.
Here's what you need to know.
WHAT AREAS ARE BEING IMPROVED THROUGH THE PROJECT?
According to the city, Bunts Road’s roadway, sidewalks, parking lane, and curbs will be redesigned to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
"This portion of the project involves a replacement of the aging road surface, new curbs and storm drains, new sidewalks where necessary, and a new multipurpose path on the western side of the street," officials add on the city's Bunts Road project website.
City officials say the path "will closely resemble the multipurpose path in the Cleveland Metroparks, and complies with ODOT design specifications for shared-use paths."
Additionally, the city says Bunts Road’s storm sewer system "will be completely replaced to accommodate today’s standards. In addition, the watermain and city-side water supply lines spanning the length of Bunts Road will be replaced."
PROJECT TIMELINE
Lakewood city officials say the project will be constructed in two (2) one-year phases by maintaining one southbound traffic lane and detouring northbound traffic to Warren Road. In 2026, Phase One would entail work from Lakewood Heights to Franklin. In 2027, Phase Two would entail work from Franklin to Clifton.
RESIDENT CONCERNS
Not everyone in Lakewood is on board with the plan. Last month, 3News reported about concerns about safety that have been brought up by Lakewood residents.
"So if somebody is on a fast-moving bicycle, they have to cross 116 driveways," resident Shannon Mortland told 3News. "Every few seconds there's a driveway. So that's really dangerous as people are pulling in and out of their driveways, they're pulling in and out of the gas stations, in and out of the high school, the church at the end of the street. There's just got to be a better space for it on a quieter neighborhood street."
Mortland added that she and many of her neighbors dislike how the 10-foot shared-use path will shrink tree lawns and kill trees. She is one of several residents who have posted yards signs against the project.
OTHER APPROVED TAP PROJECTS
In addition to the Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project, state officials awarded $2 million to the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works "for the reconfiguration of 1.3 miles of Clifton Road between Lakewood and Rocky River with a pedestrian/bike greenway along the north side. Major improvement to US Bike Route 30/230 along Lake Erie."
According to a release from Cuyahoga County officials, "the Lake – Clifton Connector project will include the reconfiguration and reduction of vehicle lanes along Lake Avenue in Rocky River and Clifton Boulevard in Lakewood. The redesign will allow for construction of an 11-foot-wide multi-use path along the north side of the roadway, stretching from Linda Street east to Webb Road. The project will also feature a variety of pedestrian-friendly traffic calming amenities including a roundabout at the Lake-Clifton intersection, colored concrete crossings, enhanced lighting, and the installation of new signage."
The county says the total cost of the Lake – Clifton Connector project is estimated at $10.8 million.
“We are grateful for the State’s partnership in our efforts to expand mobility options in Cuyahoga County,” said Executive Chris Ronayne. “This active transportation investment will not only better connect the County through multiple modes of transportation, it will also bring health and economic benefits to residents of our communities.”
The state also provided just over $1 million in TAP funds to the city of Painesville for the construction of the Downtown Safety and Streetscape Enhancement Project on South St. Clair Street. You can see the complete list of projects here.
"The Transportation Alternatives Program makes vital investments to support safer, more connected spaces for walking and biking,” said DeWine in a statement. “This program helps improve quality of life, enhance public safety, and build sustainable transportation networks that make our cities and towns stronger and more vibrant."