South Hamilton Crossing Railroad Grade Separation Project
The City of Hamilton B U T L E R
C O U N T Y
O H I O
The South Hamilton Railroad Grade Separation project involves replacing an existing at-grade railroad crossing on Central Avenue in the City of Hamilton, Ohio, with a railroad overpass created by extending Grand Boulevard to the west. This will connect S.R. 4 (Erie Boulevard) on the east side of the four existing CSX railroad tracks with U.S. 127 (Pleasant Avenue) and University Boulevard to the west.
Why It Matters The City has struggled recently as the economy has shifted from manufacturing to a service orientation. Hamilton is currently investing in the necessary infrastructure to support technology-centered businesses and the knowledge-based economy. The South Hamilton Crossing project has been identified as one of the top priorities of the City of Hamilton Council to enhance economic development and improve the transportation network on the south side of Hamilton. Benefits of the project include:
Promote Economic Development
The economic and urban renewal potential in this portion of Hamilton at University Commerce Park and Vora Technology Park will be greatly enhanced with the completion of this project.
Improve Travel Safety
This project will provide improved East-West access for Fire, EMS, Police and community services. There are 55 trains per day at the crossing blocking the 11,000 average daily traffic (ADT) crossing for 15% of the day. This project will also eliminate the existing substandard and unsafe intersection of Central Avenue and Pleasant Avenue, which has been the site of numerous crashes.
“Will help create and retain several thousand jobs in our region” Kenny Craig President/CEO Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Strengthen Land Use & Transportation Planning Connection
This project is consistent with local land use policies, such as the City of Hamilton’s Neighborhood Initiative Redevelopment Plan, the University Commerce Park development, and the redevelopment of the unused industrial sites on East Avenue.
Reduce Congestion in Central Business District
The City currently has one grade separation of this rail line at High Street, the only East/West connection during train occurrences. This creates heavy traffic congestion in the downtown center as motorists avoid nine other at-grade crossings. Vehicular congestion can’t clear during peak hours with multiple trains passing.
Improve East-West Connectivity
The CSX Railroad bisects the City of Hamilton from north to south. The extension of Grand Boulevard to the west will improve mobility and provide improved access to the Miami University Hamilton Campus.
Protect Environmental Quality
The elimination of the at-grade railroad crossing will reduce overall vehicular congestion, which will reduce vehicle emissions.
Cost
Fast Facts
The City of Hamilton is exploring many avenues of funding for the project. During the past six years, the City has spent $600,000 for preliminary engineering and has budgeted $1 million for preparation of construction plans in 2012. In addition, the City is able to commit another $5 million toward the approximately $30 million project.
ONE
Where We Are Today & Future Schedule City
and Butler County Transportation Improvement District (BCTID) have executed an intergovernmental agreement for project management by BCTID
Project
is following Ohio Department of Transportation’s 10-Step Project Development Process (PDP) for Minor Projects
Steps
1 - 3 are complete including the development of the Purpose and Need Statement, determination of Scope, Schedule and Budget and preparation of Environmental Analysis and Preliminary Engineering
City
and BCTID will authorize Steps 4 - 9 by 4/1/2012
Preparation
of Environmental Clearance and development of Detailed Design Documents will begin immediately following authorization
Environmental Detailed
Design & Final Construction Documents: Complete by 12/12/2014
Right-of-way Ready
Clearance: Complete by 1/21/2014
& Utility Clearance: Complete by 4/13/2016
to begin bidding process by 5/1/2016
Existing grade separation granting East/West traffic flow through the City of Hamilton, OH (Population 62,477)
3,525
Estimated permanent jobs created as a result of this project according to an independent impact analysis
270,000
Square feet of Class A office space at Vora Technology Park that would be significantly more attractive with improved access
5,000
Miami University students that lack adequate access to the Hamilton campus
SIXTY
Acres of municipally-owned land primed for development at University Commerce Park sits vacant due to insufficient access
1911
The earliest documented record of the City of Hamilton seeking a grade separation at this crossing
1 of 40
The Renewal Community designation in this area is one of only 40 in the United States despite being home to major regional assets
What They Said
“The absence of an efficient traffic flow to our facility has impeded key corporations from selecting our site” Mahendra Vora CEO Vora Technology Park
“I will not mince words. Construction of an overpass at that dangerous grade crossing would be a tremendous boon to our campus and an immediate asset to the entire region” G. Michael Pratt Associate Provost and Dean of Regional Campuses Miami University
“The use of indirect routes adds valuable minutes to emergency response times”
“Businesses did not choose our area due to the inconvenience of dealing with the South Hamilton Crossing”
Kim H. Wentz
Ed Shelton
Director Greater Hamilton Safety Council
Developer, former Butler County Commissioner, and Hamilton City Council Member
“Would greatly enhance our ability to provide safer, more efficient transportation services” Carla L. Lakatos Executive Director Butler County Regional Transit Authority
“The crossing is dangerous” Richard K. Jones Sheriff Butler County, Ohio
“A much needed east-west route through the City of Hamilton... Long overdue” Stephen Sackenheim VP, Operations & Facilities Matandy Steel & Metal Products
Contact: Joshua Smith
Ron Porter
City Manager
Executive Director
City of Hamilton
Butler County TID
513-785-7002 smithja@hamilton-oh.gov
513-785-3450 ronp@bctid.org 2012