COLUMBUS, Ind. – The City of Columbus announced on Thursday afternoon a construction update on the Our River … Our Riverfront project. After years of regulatory review, redesign, and funding pursuit, the project is officially underway.
Milestone Contractors, L.P., was recently selected as the contractor for the east bank bid set, which includes the trail connection. Site clearing and mobilization will begin next week along the river’s edge to prepare for the bank stabilization and trail installation efforts.
The project in its entirety seeks to address several safety concerns and improve the ecology of the area through the following:
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
- The corner of Lindsey Street and 3rd Street has the highest rate of incidents between vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists
- Moving the trail below the bridges will make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists to connect the People Trail network
- Fire/Police Access – This project will provide easier access for the Fire and Police Departments to access this area of the river. An important safety implication that does not currently exist
- Trail Lighting – This will make this area of the river safer and decrease vandalism
- Removal of the Low Head Dam will
- Make the river safer for boats, canoes, and kayaks
- Improve the fish habitat and environmental conditions in this area
- Help keep the west bank from eroding and exposing the former City landfill, which is a delisted IDEM Superfund
- Bank Erosion – The east bank continues to erode
- The riverbank has several invasive species of trees, and the new design utilizes plant material native to the area
- The riverbank will be stabilized with erosion control mats and native plant material
- Recreation
- The riverfront design will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the riverfront
- The plaza can be used for events or as a place for people to sit and enjoy the view
- Flooding – The Riverfront Project has been designed to accommodate flooding
- The trail has been designed to accommodate the machinery needed to clean up after a flood event
- The railing has been designed to be easily replaced if damaged during a flood
- A pedestrian gate has been incorporated on the south end of the trail that will be closed during flooding events
- On average, the river is flooded less than 10% in a calendar year
- History – Historical signs are included in the design to tell the story of the historical dam and pumphouse
- Funding – Nearly 50% of the east bank construction costs are funded through State and Federal grants. The remainder of the project is funded through TIF (tax-increment financing)
Residents can follow the project updates at facebook.com/columbusredevelopment and the city’s website. Officials will post frequent construction updates, including informational segments related to the benefits of the project.
