Council prioritizes sidewalks, crosswalks and trail connections; Depot Plaza opening set for next week
June 05, 2025 | Plain City Council, Plain City, Madison County, Ohio
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Councilors spent substantial time reviewing sidewalk maintenance, pedestrian connections and related capital projects and directed staff to fold priorities into the capital improvement plan ahead of the budget.
Staff reported several active and planned projects: the West Avenue/Route 42 improvement is scheduled for construction this fall and will go out to bid this summer with Ohio Department of Transportation involvement; the Uptown Crosswalk project held a preconstruction meeting and work will follow an upcoming event; Zone 1 concrete sidewalk replacement is nearly complete and the village will then perform grinding work to finish maintenance in that zone.
Councilors discussed longer-term connections across Route 42, options to divert pedestrian and bicycle traffic off State Route 161, and the railroad-bridge/railhead connector. Staff said a rail bridge deck replacement is slated for 2028 and that any pedestrian improvements would likely require partnering with the Metro Parks system because the bridge and adjacent corridor are regional park property. One staff estimate in the discussion placed the railhead-to-trailhead connection distance at roughly 1,200 feet and noted easements and coordination would be needed to complete a connector.
On parks and open space, staff announced Depot Plaza will hold a public opening next Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. The village received roughly $5,000 from an "America 250" grant partnership with the historical society to produce plaques for about 10 historic homes and businesses and to create a walking‑tour map and signage. Bicentennial Park engineering is starting after securing additional grant funds.
Councilors directed staff to include sidewalks and pedestrian projects prominently in the CIP and to bring a consolidated sidewalk/phasing section to the budget process. They also asked staff to work with Parks & Rec, Metro Parks and the public‑works team on feasibility and funding for any bridge or rail‑corridor pedestrian improvements.
Ending: Staff will return with an updated CIP section listing sidewalk priorities and phased projects and will coordinate outreach for Depot Plaza and historic‑marker work.
Staff reported several active and planned projects: the West Avenue/Route 42 improvement is scheduled for construction this fall and will go out to bid this summer with Ohio Department of Transportation involvement; the Uptown Crosswalk project held a preconstruction meeting and work will follow an upcoming event; Zone 1 concrete sidewalk replacement is nearly complete and the village will then perform grinding work to finish maintenance in that zone.
Councilors discussed longer-term connections across Route 42, options to divert pedestrian and bicycle traffic off State Route 161, and the railroad-bridge/railhead connector. Staff said a rail bridge deck replacement is slated for 2028 and that any pedestrian improvements would likely require partnering with the Metro Parks system because the bridge and adjacent corridor are regional park property. One staff estimate in the discussion placed the railhead-to-trailhead connection distance at roughly 1,200 feet and noted easements and coordination would be needed to complete a connector.
On parks and open space, staff announced Depot Plaza will hold a public opening next Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. The village received roughly $5,000 from an "America 250" grant partnership with the historical society to produce plaques for about 10 historic homes and businesses and to create a walking‑tour map and signage. Bicentennial Park engineering is starting after securing additional grant funds.
Councilors directed staff to include sidewalks and pedestrian projects prominently in the CIP and to bring a consolidated sidewalk/phasing section to the budget process. They also asked staff to work with Parks & Rec, Metro Parks and the public‑works team on feasibility and funding for any bridge or rail‑corridor pedestrian improvements.
Ending: Staff will return with an updated CIP section listing sidewalk priorities and phased projects and will coordinate outreach for Depot Plaza and historic‑marker work.
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