The project is in City of Cleveland Ward 3, represented by Councilmember Kerry McCormack and City of Cleveland Ward 15, represented by Councilmember Jenny Spencer.

 

Last year, the proposed cycle track operation was evaluated block-by-block, and the section from West 65th to West 44th was found to have too many conflict points to support a safe cycle track operation. However, it can support a sidewalk-level multi-use path which would accommodate bicycles as well as pedestrians.

 

A cycle track is intended for exclusive use by cyclists with the benefit of dedicated traffic signal heads, and restrictions for use by pedestrians. A shared-use path does not use traffic signals and has no restrictions on usage (for more information, refer to the “Definitions” tab).  The width of the multi-use path proposed for Lorain Avenue is wide enough to allow for a separate cycling zone to be marked with pavers, paint, signs or other means. Cyclists are encouraged to use this cycling zone, but they should expect pedestrian encroachments.

 

Bicycle lanes have also been considered block-by-block and are presented for operation and cost comparison to the cycle-track/multi-use path options which require widening the sidewalk area on one side and installing a new curb line resulting in a full reconstruction of the street.

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Full reconstruction for cycle-track/multi-use path options:

 

When a curb line is relocated on a major urban arterial, drainage patterns and underground utilities are disrupted, and a full reconstruction is required.  The new wider sidewalk stills need to slope away from existing building entrances, and rain and melting snow still need to be conveyed to underground sewers.

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Lorain Avenue has many layers of pavement (brick, concrete, asphalt), a history of streetcar use and numerous underground utilities. An existing water line and underground electric conduits will need to be relocated to avoid the new curb line and keep them accessible for long term maintenance.

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In addition to new bicycle facilities, the reconstruction of Lorain Avenue from West 65th to West 20th Street will include the following improvements:

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• Pavement replacement

• Curb, walk, and curb ramp repair or replacement to make pedestrian walkways compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Transit waiting area enhancements (see Definitions)

• Water line, sewer and utility replacements and improvements

• New signage and pavement markings

• Traffic signal replacements

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Rehabilitation for bike lane options:

 

The bike lane options preserve the existing road curb line and drainage patterns. The existing asphalt surface will  be removed from the pavement, and it will be replaced with new asphalt. The existing pavement base below the removed asphalt will be repaired if needed, but it is expected to be in fair to excellent condition based on what has been found in the sections of Lorain Avenue recently rehabilitated to the west of West 65th Street.

 

The rehabilitation of Lorain Avenue from West 65th to West 20th Street will include the following improvements:

• Pavement milling and resurfacing, and base repairs as needed

• Curb, walk, and curb ramp repair or replacement to make pedestrian walkways compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Transit waiting area enhancements (see Definitions)

• Utility adjustments as needed

• New signage and pavement markings

• Traffic signal upgrades