The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) gave the go ahead for 46 projects throughout the Greater Akron area to receive nearly $50 million in federal transportation funds.  The agency’s approval means that much-needed projects took significant steps to becoming reality. 

As the agency responsible for regional transportation planning in the Greater Akron area, AMATS administers several federal funding programs.  The agency determined last August that a significant amount of additional funding would be available for area improvement projects in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 and sought applications from project sponsors.  After weighing each application’s merits under set criteria, the agency’s Policy Committee decided which projects should receive funding during its Jan. 26 meeting.

AMATS Transportation Improvement Program Coordinator Victor Botosan notes that the new projects tend to emphasize preservation of the area’s transportation system rather than costly expansions.

“We’re trying to make more efficient use of what we have now rather than spend a lot of money for perceived problems.  Now is the time to invest wisely in our system while we have the resources to do it,” Botosan says.  He adds that the agency approved funding for a number of significant projects including:

• $2 million for the East Exchange Street Signal Coordination Project in Akron.

• $1.5 million for the reconstruction of Tallmadge Avenue in Akron.

• More than $1.3 million for Phase 1 of the West Side Traffic Signal Improvement Project in Ravenna.

• $1.6 million for a new Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station for the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA).

• Nearly $3 million for four bike and hike trail projects and four pedestrian connectivity projects.  (See Greater Akron area to get rolling with new bike trails below.)

A complete listing of projects is available on the AMATS web site at amatsplanning.org.  For additional details, please contact Botosan at 330-375-2436 or by email at VBotosan@AkronOhio.gov.

Greater Akron Area to get Rolling with New Bike Trails

Four new bike trails will be constructed in the Greater Akron area thanks to action by AMATS.  The agency’s Policy Committee approved nearly $2.5 million to develop two trails in Portage County and two in Summit County during its Jan. 26 meeting.

The four trails, project sponsors and funding amounts are:

• The PORTAGE Hike & Bike Trail – Kent will construct a new segment of The PORTAGE spanning from the city of Kent’s John Brown Tannery Park along state Route 59 to Erie Street.  This trail segment will include on-street portions.  This project will receive $700,000.

• Confluence Connector Trail – Metro Parks Serving Summit County will construct a feeder trail for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail spanning from Manchester Road to Warner Road in Akron and Coventry Township.  This project will receive $700,000.

• Liberty Road Trail – Twinsburg will construct a multipurpose trail spanning from Post Road to the city of Solon.  This project will receive $374,000.

• Headwaters Trail Hiram Extension – The Village of Hiram will construct a trail connecting Hiram College to state Route 305.  This project will receive $700,000.

AMATS Planning Coordinator Krista Beniston explains that the agency is encouraging the development of bike-oriented facilities as part of its push to improve regional connectivity. 

“This past year, we launched an outreach to the region’s cycling community.  Their input has provided valuable insight as we and communities within the Greater Akron area pursue these projects,” Beniston continues, “We plan to build on this outreach for future projects and initiatives.”

She adds that the four projects offer a snapshot of how the area’s bikeway network is evolving.  “With the completion of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail through Summit County and the regional trail network well underway, the area is gradually shifting its focus to a complementary on-road network that supports cycling as a viable daily transportation alternative,” she observes.    

For additional details, please contact Beniston at 330-375-2436 or by email at KBeniston@AkronOhio.gov. 

New Look, New Newsletter

AMATS has revamped its agency newsletter.  The new @AMATS made its debut Jan. 26.  This publication is avalable online at Patch and the agency web site at amatsplanning.org.  To receive this item by mail, please contact AMATS at 330-375-2436 or by email at ARege@AkronOhio.gov.

Mark Your Calendar

The AMATS Citizens Involvement Committee (CIC) will meet again 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at the Richard Howe House in Akron.  The public is encouraged to attend and participate.