City gets $4M for Winter Avenue

August 2, 2005
By: Jennifer Weakley

DANVILLE- Motorists already have taken advantage of roadway improvements on Winter Avenue.

And the adjacent joint-use path is being used.

"We've seen dogs, skateboards, adults walking and a wheelchair (on the new joint-use path). Its intended use is in operation," said Public Works Director Doug Ahrens.

When the path is extended, its use will increase even more, he added.

"What's done has been very successful and that's why we're so eager to get started on Phase 2 (the final phase of reconstructing Winter Avenue)," said Mayor Scott Eisenhauer.

City officials received good news about funding for the Winter Avenue reconstruction project.

The U.S. House approved a new transportation bill that provides funding for federal highway, transit and highway safety programs.

Included in the bill is $4.3 million to widen and improve Winter Avenue.

This is less than the $5.5 million projected in March. The city originally requested $7.4 million.

In a press release, U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson announced that he helped secure $30 million in projects for the 15th Congressional District as part of the bill.

"Quite honestly we're thrilled it was left in the transportation bill," Eisenhauer said about the Winter Avenue funding.

While the funding is slightly less than what the city had anticipated, city officials were concerned about funding being eliminated all together.

"We're certainly happy that these dollars are included and we look forward to next year's construction season," Eisenhauer added.

City officials hope to see construction on Phase 2 start next year.

"The (funding) amount indicated is a substantial amount toward completing the Winter Avenue project. Any time we're able to receive multi-million dollars for a major project is a good thing," Ahrens added.

Because of the decreased funding, city officials will have to evaluate the scope of the project and current budget estimates.

Construction started last year to widen Winter Avenue between Bowman Avenue and the western edge of Winter Park.

Phase 1 is complete between the two park entrances. The $1.6 million Phase 1 project included the installation of storm sewer and roadway reconstruction.

The city received $1 million in federal funding for Phase 1, but it still hasn't received a $600,000 state grant.

As a result, the city was forced to use $600,000 in motor fuel tax funds for the project.

The remaining Phase 2 consists of the installation of traffic signals at Bowman and Winter avenues, improvements to Winter Avenue to the east city limits and on the west end, widening the one-lane railroad underpass and Stoney Creek bridge to two lanes.

Ahrens said final designs are being completed for the railroad structure.

The availability of the federal funding will dictate the project's timeline, he said.

City officials hope the funding will be in the front half of the original six-year bill.

Winter Avenue between the viaduct and Bowman Avenue has been a safety concern to city officials since the increase in traffic in recent years from the addition of youth soccer fields in Winter Park.

That section of Winter Avenue had no sidewalks, and the road was so narrow in spots that it barely accommodated two passing vehicles.

The one-lane railroad viaduct and a narrow bridge at the base of the hill west of Winter Park also are traffic hazards.