Opening of Proposals - Safe Roads to School Kennedy School - DLZ Inc.

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Safe Routes to School | 5 The City of South Bend has been awarded $1.875 Million in INDOT federal funds for the construction of sidewalks and curb ramps in various locations. The project includes the neighborhood surrounding Kennedy Academy School bounded by Bendix Drive to the west, Lincolnway West to the north, Birdsell Street to the east, and Orange Street to the south. We just partnered with the City to submit a grant request for Kennedy Park. If received, this grant could allow replacement of the sidewalk around the park. In order to begin the design process, DLZ would propose a kick-off meeting with the City to review the project’s scope of work, schedule and budget parameters. This meeting will provide the details to start the project in the right direction and put everyone on the same page moving forward. There are many times the length of existing sidewalk in the project area is larger than what the current budget can afford. We would propose a field review of the current sidewalk conditions. We could then work with the City to prioritize corridors around Kennedy Academy School. ADA compliance is extremely important on a project like this. However, many of the sidewalks are in such poor condition that they are a trip hazard to anyone trying to use the sidewalk. We have years of experience in ADA project design and ADA transition plan development for numerous communities throughout Indiana. Once the areas of improvement are identified, DLZ will develop plans to replace the sidewalk and curb ramps. We will utilitze smart levels to determine the segments of sidewalk and curb ramp that are outside of ADA specifications. This will allow us to define the topographic survey limits to minimize the amount required. Ultimately, this will expedite the design schedule, as well as allow the City to maximize the amount of improvements that can be done with the funding available. We have the experience with INDOT LPA projects to deliver this project to letting for you. Throughout the design development, DLZ will work closely with the City to review and overcome any challenges that arise. We believe that constant communication with project partners is vital to project success. We understand that the goal is to provide a safe path for citizens and school children while giving consideration to other important factors such as construction costs, drainage, permitting, utilities and aesthetics. As required with the use of Federal Funding, the design and construction will be done in accordance with the Local Public Agency (LPA) Guidance Document and related INDOT standard specifications, design manual and standards. Project Understanding and Approach Sidewalk Focus We recognize the City may have already identified areas they would like to focus the funding that is available. However, if there is still some uncertainty, we propose the following approach options for consideration: • Establish a sidewalk and curb ramp rating system based on visual inspection to represent the existing conditions. Assembling this information could help to identify specific areas of focus. • Focus on main roadways in the project area around and leading to Kennedy School for new or replacement sidewalk and curb ramps, as appropriate. • Begin at Kennedy School and work outward to address sidewalk and curb ramp deficiencies.