DAYTON Governor Bob Taft and Ohio Department of
Transportation (ODOT) Director Gordon Proctor today announced ODOTs
design aesthetics initiative at a press conference at the Dayton Art
Institute. The initiative will incorporate inexpensive design elements
into transportation project plans, to improve the look of Ohios
interstate system.
"Transportation projects, if thoughtfully designed, can
enhance the appearance of communities without additional
expense," said Taft. "Our goal is to make these projects
more compatible with their community, more attractive, and to have
their design complement the local surroundings."
Through this initiative, ODOT will use patterns, colors, texture
and landscaping to make a road, noise barrier or bridge visually
pleasing to motorists and residents in the area. The cost for improved
project design aesthetics will be minimal, less than one percent of a
projects total cost.
Three pilot projects with design aesthetics include Dayton, Troy
and Canton. ODOT has worked closely with local leaders and citizens on
all three projects to identify design aesthetics that will improve the
appearance of the freeway system in their cities.
"Because these projects have a great impact on neighborhoods
and communities we want to ensure local suggestions are
included," said Taft. "These future structures are a
welcomed addition to the area."
"The program represents a new way of thinking for ODOT,"
said Proctor. "During the coming years, as work is conducted on
the states highway network, these enhancements will be incorporated
into the projects, resulting in a highway system that is not only
functional but also attractive."
By March 2000 the department will develop the Design Standards and
Guidelines policy to integrate aesthetics into major transportation
projects on the highway. This policy will enable local communities to
offer input on how they can improve the appearance of the freeway
system in their city.
|
Project
Highlights |
|
DAYTON
BRIDGES
ODOT will use the color teal,
seen throughout Dayton, to paint steel beams on
bridges in need of repainting.
10 of the 41 bridges parapets
will be painted, have walkways and landscaping.
THIRD STREET EXIT
A tint will be added to the
concrete sealer to use on six piers at Third Street.
Paver stones will be used to
create a decorative walkway under the Third Street
bridge.
The "rip rap", a
concrete slope protection, will also have tint
added to the concrete sealer.
RIVERVIEW AVENUE
Paver stones will be used to
create a decorative, 10-foot wide path, to enhance
the existing sidewalk at Riverview Avenue near the
Dayton Art Institute.
GERMANTOWN STREET BRIDGE
ODOT will remove the chain link
fence on the south side of Edwin C. Moses Blvd. and
replace it with ornamental fencing used by Sinclair
Community College.
|
|
TROY
NOISE BARRIERS
All noise barriers now and in the
future will be level and capped.
To welcome motorists entering
the city of Troy, the cities slogan "Troy,
Ohio, USA" will be imprinted on the first and
last panel of the noise barriers along Interstate
75. This look will also be repeated throughout
Troy on additional noise barriers.
LANDSCAPING
Trees, bushes and wild flowers will
be planted along the County Road 25A Interchange,
State Route 55 and I-75 to return the land to its
natural appearance. Also, ODOT will contour the land
on State Route 41 to prepare for future planting by
the city of Troy.
BRIDGES
The structural steel on selected
bridges will be painted red. The color was selected by
local citizens who attended a public meeting.
Vandal fencing will be installed
on selected bridges to protect motorists, and
coated with black polyvinyl to improve the look of
the fencing.
|
|
CANTON
RETAINING WALLS
ODOT is working with the local arts community to
build retaining walls so the community can later add mosaics to them
reflecting Cantons clay and tile industries.
NOISE BARRIERS
All noise barriers now and in the future will be
level and capped.
ODOT will add a brick texture on the front and
back of the noise barriers to carry the existing design elements
from the city to the freeways. In some cases, the middle section
of a noise barrier will be smooth concrete to enable the community
to add design imprints.
BRIDGES
ODOT will provide color selection for painting of
bridges.
LANDSCAPING
Trees, bushes and wild flowers will be planted in
provided locations.
|
|
_____________________________________________