CLEVELAND -- It started as a vision nearly seven years ago, and now it’s closer to reality.
The Lorain Avenue Streetscape Project has been given a $6.1 million jump start in the form of federal transportation money from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, also known as NOACA.
The money will specifically be used for one of the city’s first protected bike lanes.
“Ultimately this is about moving people and turning Lorain Avenue back into Ohio City’s Main Street,” says Tom McNair, the Ohio City Incorporated Executive Director.
“What we’re going to do is going to be catalytic for both the neighborhood and the city.”
The project is a curb-to-curb restoration. There will be new sidewalks, a raised bikeway completely separated from vehicular traffic as well as designated transit islands for RTA buses.
The changes will extend from West 20th to West 65th streets. It will start on the north side of Lorain Avenue and then switch to the south side of the street at West 41st Street.
“It is more safe for bike riders but it also makes traffic more efficient from an automotive point of view,” explains McNair.
“This is the type of infrastructure that a lot of people have been working very hard to bring to this city for a long time and we’re just excited to be a part of helping make that a reality.”
Right now work is happening behind the scenes to come up with a more detailed design and review construction bids.
Physical changes to Lorain Avenue are expected to begin in 2022.