First Posted: 3/23/2015
LIMA — Efforts are continuing to make Lima a better place for people traveling on foot or by bicycle.
That was the message from City Engineer Kirk Niemeyer during a presentation to Lima City Council on Monday during the council’s regular meeting.
In his presentation, Niemeyer outlined a variety of sidewalk and bikeway projects undertaken in the city since 2010 aimed at improving accessibility as well as promoting healthy living. These projects included the Vine Street grade separation in 2010, the Cole Street multiuse path and Cable Road sidewalk projects in 2011, the West Elm Street reconstruction and Spring and Elm Street sidewalk and bike lane projects in 2012 and the Cook Park pathway and restroom project, West and Elizabeth Street sidewalk and bike lane projects and the Ottawa River bikeway project in 2014.
Upcoming projects include the Kibby Street reconstruction this year, addressing drainage issues and installing 11,000 feet of reconstructed sidewalks between Pine Street and Bellefontaine Avenue. Another project for this year will be the Buttonbush Park expansion, in which 1.64 miles of walking trails will be built and linked with the existing bikeways in the city.
Slated for 2016 is the Main Street bike lane project, in which 35,000 feet of shared and dedicated bike lanes will be integrated into the street, along with the Safe Routes to School program, in which better sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian lights and school flashers will be installed in neighborhoods surrounding Unity Elementary, West Middle, Heritage Elementary and North Middle schools.
The final project will be in 2017 on Cable Road, installing 6,400 feet of sidewalks between Shawnee Road and West Elm Street.
“We’re touching almost every part of the city,” 4th Ward Councilman Tom Tebben said. “That’s exactly what should happen. These are great improvements.”
These projects are essential, according to Lima Mayor David Berger, not only for beautifying the city, but also for the economy.
“This is a workforce issue,” he said. “Lots of people do not have adequate transportation in our community. Getting across town or getting to work by foot or bike, it’s real.”
The combined cost for all of the projects since 2010 is $15.74 million, with $1.83 million coming from local funding.
