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Horse-crossing cost may ride on sharing
(by Sue Reid - January 18, 2012)
Horse-crossing cost may ride on sharing
By SUE REID
Before moving forward with the design associated with improvements to the horse crossing on SOM Center Road (Route 91) and Hawthorn Parkway, Solon City Council's safety and public properties plans to determine whether the Cleveland Metroparks will share in the cost.
A proposal was before the committee last week from URS Corp. for the design of a combined pedestrian and horse crossing at the intersection. The total fee for the professional design services is slightly over $14,000.
The committee had given city traffic engineer Kevin Westbrooks the go-ahead last month to put together the proposal for the signage improvements. He had indicated that the cost of improvements would be about $40,000.
The crossing has been the subject of concerns raised by horse riders regarding the sight distance there and potential hazards associated with it. A recent traffic study indicated that the intersection does not warrant a traffic signal.
The Cleveland Metroparks riding trail through South Chagrin Reservation crosses the highway in Solon. A pedestrian trail also crosses SOM Center Road there.
Mr. Westbrooks told the committee that city Engineer John J. Busch had contacted Patty Stevens, chief of park planning for the Metroparks, about the possibility of splitting the cost of the project.
In the letter, Mr. Busch wrote, "Since the project would greatly enhance the safety of both the pedestrian trail and horse trail users along Hawthorn Parkway, the City of Solon is requesting the consideration of the Cleveland Metroparks to participate in funding the project."
The total cost would be slightly over $54,000, which is comprised of the design and the construction.
"If the park is amenable to the city's request, the city would propose a 50-50 split" of the cost estimate, Mr. Busch said.
Councilman William I. Russo asked Daniel Driscoll, the city's construction project supervisor, to follow up on whether the park district will agree to the split the cost prior to the committee's next meeting in February, and if not, to find out why.
Mr. Russo said following the meeting that he believes the park should participate in the cost, because "it's a benefit to both entities."
"But knowing the way things are, I'd be surprised if they do," he said.
Mr. Russo said, although there most likely will be a majority of votes to move the project forward, he's not convinced that improvements to the crossing are the answer. "People are not paying attention to the existing signage that is already there," he said. "I can't really say that this is going to change things.
"It's just the way culture and society is today," Mr. Russo continued. "People are paying way too much attention to cellphones while they are behind the wheel, which is exceptionally dangerous."
He's concerned that, if the improvements are made, people will feel they can "let their guard down," he said. "They still need to be diligent with existing signage."
Mr. Russo said, while some people may think, "If you do something, it's better than nothing," regarding improvements at the crossing, "I'd rather take care of the root of the cause rather than put a Band-Aid on the situation."
He said it's fortunate there have not been any accidents there.
Although the crossing is properly marked, the sight distance from both directions on SOM Center Road at the crossing are restricted due to a hill in the road and some vegetation, Mr. Westbrooks said. Southbound drivers on the road have a limited view of the crossing until they go over a hill, he said.
Mr. Russo said the committee will not move the matter onto the full City Council until it determines how much the city would be paying.
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