Maumee committee recommends raised-curb median design for Dussel Drive after cost debate

A Maumee Public Service Committee meeting on the ODOT pilot project ended Wednesday with the committee voting to recommend that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) design the raised-curb median option for Dussel Drive between Piccadilly and Cass.

ODOT engineer Chris, who spoke for the district office, told the committee Maumee was selected for a safety pilot and that the department has roughly $900,000–$1,000,000 allocated for the project. "We're going to try some stuff in Maumee," Chris said, describing the city as one of several pilot locations and saying the design team will provide a "menu" of options so the city can choose which elements to build within the grant cap.

Matt, a city staff member who introduced the item, said a drainage issue discovered in engineering review means the originally planned island would require many additional storm structures and piping, which increases cost. He said the city’s potential share could be in "the 100 to $200,000 range" depending on the alternative chosen. "We didn't really have a detailed estimate for sure," Matt said.

Council members debated trade-offs between cost and long-term effectiveness. Supporters argued the raised-curb median (Alternative 1) offers the strongest physical separation and longer pavement edge protection. Councilman Barrow said the more comprehensive option will better serve Maumee for decades, calling cheaper fixes "band-aids." Opponents cautioned that initial estimates can grow. Councilman Hughey said, "I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of this project myself," and urged caution about committing local funds given other city priorities and past projects with large change orders.

Chris said current cost estimates include an approximately 30% cushion—composed of a 15% contingency, roughly 4.9% for inflation, and 10% for construction inspection—and that stage 2 plans and a formal cost estimate are due next Friday. He also described several traffic-calming features the design could include, such as raised, flat-topped crosswalks that function like speed-control devices but allow emergency vehicles to pass.

The committee agreed to give direction to the design team rather than to obligate Maumee to fund construction. Councilman Barrow moved that "Alternative 1 gets designed by the ODOT," and Councilman Hughey seconded. The committee recorded affirmative votes and the recommendation passed. The committee also adjourned after the vote.

Next steps: ODOT will produce stage 2 plans with a formal cost estimate next week; the design team will continue to refine estimates and the city will have opportunities for public input before any final council commitment to spend local funds.