Canton Reporter

City of Canton issued the following announcement on Feb.  24

The City of Canton is proposing to replace the 9th Street SW bridge (SFN 7661118) over the West Branch of Nimishillen Creek. The existing two-lane bridge was built in 1945 and was rehabilitated in 1982. The new bridge is proposed to be slightly narrower than the existing bridge, but will provide two-lanes with sidewalks on both sides. The new bridge will have a reinforced concrete deck on steel beams and concrete parapets with an aesthetic stone façade and ornamental steel railings.   The existing bridge pier will be removed and the new bridge will be a single span over the creek.  Additional work includes replacement of the bridge approach slabs, full depth pavement replacement beyond the approach slabs, roadway drainage improvements, new curbs, concrete drive approaches, and new pavement markings. Construction is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2022.

To replace this bridge, the temporary use of approximately 0.7 acres of land (mowed lawn) within the West Park will be needed for access to the bridge abutments and pier and for a construction staging area. The project will have no permanent impact on any of the existing signs, equipment, or facilities at West Park or the 9th St DIY skatepark except for the closure of the parking lot entrance off of 9th St SW during bridge construction. There will be no impact to the West Branch Trail which is located along Schroyer Avenue SW on the park’s east side. The vehicle detour that will be in place during the time that 9th Street SW is closed for the bridge replacement will utilize 9th Street SW, Dueber Avenue SW, 6th Street SW, and Schroyer Avenue SW.

Prior to the start of the 9th Street SW bridge replacement project, the City of Canton will develop additional parking and access to the portion of West Park that contains the 9th St DIY skatepark, as a separate and stand-alone project. The City of Canton will make an agreement to temporarily use parking spaces within the Teamsters Local 92 (1127 9th Street SW) parking lot as parking for the 9th St DIY skatepark. These temporary spaces will provide that same amount of parking as the parking lot that will be unavailable during bridge construction. Once the bridge construction is complete the original parking lot will open again. The City of Canton also plans an ADA-compliant crosswalk and curb ramps that will allow park users to safety cross Schroyer Avenue SW and enter the skatepark near the north side restrooms and snackbar area. Additionally, a new ADA-compliant parking lot will be installed to the north of the skatepark with access off of Schroyer Avenue SW. This parking lot will have two van-accessible parking spaces and four car-accessible spaces.  The new ADA-compliant parking lot will be permanent.

West Park is a recognized recreational property and is provided protection from adverse impacts associated with federal-aid transportation projects.  

The City of Canton consulted with the Canton Parks Department (the property operator) in regard to project impacts and gave notice that the project will not adversely affect the recreational activities, features, or attributes that qualify the property for protection. The following measures to minimize harm are being implemented as part of the project: 

• Access to West Park, the 9th St DIY skatepark, and the West Branch trail shall be maintained at all times 
• Temporary construction fencing will be installed along proposed construction limits prior to the start of construction activities to protect the existing 4(f) property and the public
• Appropriate signage will be installed to alert users of West Park and the 9th St DIY skatepark of construction activities, access restrictions or closures, and to direct users to secondary access points
• Any land to be disturbed will be fully restored and returned to a condition which is at least as good as that which existed prior to the project The contractor shall be required to coordinate the construction schedule with ODOT, the City of Canton Engineering Department, and the Canton Parks Department prior to the start of construction activities.

Due to the temporary acquisition of land from West Park, the City of Canton is seeking public input regarding the proposed impacts. Please provide comments to Corey Jones, Canton City Engineering Department’s Project Manager, at corey.jones@cantonohio.gov or 330-438-6909.  Comments must be received by March 26, 2022

Original source can be found here.