Local context Map of the North Hamilton Crossing Area.
Source: Credit to The City of Hamilton
| Project Name | North Hamilton Crossing |
|---|---|
| Location | City of Hamilton and Fairfield Township, Ohio |
| Project Sponsor / Borrower | City of Hamilton |
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| Value Capture Techniques | Special Assessment: Transportation Improvement Districts (TID) / Transportation Development Districts (TDD) |
| Mode | Local Highway and Bridge |
| Description | North Hamilton Crossing is a full-corridor project to create an unobstructed east-west route through the northern part of Hamilton. The project is located in the City of Hamilton and Fairfield Township, Butler County, Ohio, and includes the extension of NW Washington Blvd. East. It crosses the Great Miami River, intersects with State Route 127, an overpass of the rail line, then extends to intersect with State Routes (SR) 4 and 129. The project was included in the 2007 Butler County Thoroughfare Plan and remains in subsequent updates with initial construction slated for the mid-2020s. There are currently only three Great Miami River crossings in the City. Bridges at Main Street and Pershing Avenue are already congested and the third bridge, which is closest to the proposed project, is approaching 100 years of age. It is functionally deficient and will need to be replaced. This lack of convenient access to the northwest side of the City greatly hinders the economic vitality of the area. The project has three primary components:
Project construction will be phased, but the preliminary design work must include the entire project. Phase 1 will extend Northwest Washington Blvd. over the Great Miami River to intersect with State Route 127. This phase will define the existing deficiencies and system linkage needs. It will involve an assessment of current and projected traffic conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of a new route from NW Washington Boulevard to SR 129. Phase 2 will cross over the rail line and continue to intersect with State Route 4. This phase will include a feasibility study to develop the preferred alternative for the river and railroad crossings, connecting North B Street to SR 4. The study will be used to determine the most cost-effective route while maintaining environmental stewardship and completing needed environmental studies for this section. Phase 3 will then proceed to a connection with State Route 129. This final phase will include preparation of detailed construction drawings and specifications for the section between North B Street and US 127. It includes a new bridge over the Great Miami River and conversion of the nearby two-lane Black Street Bridge into a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path. In 2019, officials estimated the highway project could take more than 20 years to complete and potentially cost between $150 million and $200 million. The studies will cost nearly $5 million, with $3.9 million coming from local sources. North Hamilton Crossing is expected to improve traffic infrastructure for both the City of Hamilton and Butler by diverting traffic away from the most congested east-west thoroughfares. In addition to improving air quality and quality of life for those who live in Hamilton, it will also increase safety and the response times of public safety. Finally, it will open up access to undeserved and impoverished areas, increasing the economic potential of these regions and generating future redevelopment projects. |
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| Funding Sources |
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| Project Delivery / Contract Method | Project is currently in the planning and preliminary engineering phases. The City will explore innovative project delivery methods and is considering a variety of innovative financing options as part of its planning process including public-private partnerships. |
| Private Partner | TBD |
| Project Advisors / Consultants | TBD |
| Lenders | TBD |
| Duration / Status | The project is currently in the planning and preliminary engineering phases and expected to complete Feasibility Study to identify a preferred alternative for the NHX project in 2022. The timing of final engineering and construction phases are not yet known and will depend on the availability of funding. |
| Financial Status / Financial Performance | The City is looking for all innovative funding and financing options to advance the project including seeking $950,000 RAISE planning grant to complete the planning activities for North Hampton Crossing. The City is on the verge of an economic renaissance and North Hamilton Crossing is critical to moving this forward. It will complement the major investments which have already been made into the overall Butler County transportation grid, improving safety and access to an Area of Persistent Poverty, reducing traffic congestion, and creating greater economic development opportunities. |
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| Related Links / Articles | |
| Contacts | Allen Messer, P.E. |
The Black Street Bridge, built about a century ago, will need to be replaced within about 20 years. That is part of the reason for the proposed North Hamilton Crossing bridge-and-highway project
Source: Credit to Butler County Transportation Improvement District
North Hamilton Crossing," a proposed east-west corridor that would wrap around the northern edge of the city, is a key piece of Hamilton's new comprehensive plan that will guide development for the next 15 years. Many people urged such a northern arterial road to alleviate heavy congestion on Hamilton's High-Main corridor.
Source: Credit to Butler County Transportation Improvement District
