Mary Scott NabersOfficials at all jurisdictional levels of government develop planning documents that outline upcoming initiatives. Additionally, upcoming projects are often listed in budgets, but large initiatives are usually in planning documents of some sort. The most common planning document is called a capital improvement plan (CIP). These documents list projects that officials want to launch along with estimated costs, purpose, justifications, timelines and priority rankings. The upcoming projects discussed in this column will soon need contracting partners, and the details surrounding each were obtained by researching CIPs from throughout the U.S.
The Central Ohio Transit Authority lists three major projects in its 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. These initiatives, overseen by a coalition of local government entities – the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, city officials in Columbus, and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission – are not just projects, but transformative endeavors. One of the major projects, a $314 million West Broad Corridor Project, is listed as a large transportation infrastructure improvement initiative. The project aims to establish a bus rapid transit system connecting downtown Columbus to the Prairie Township Community Center, covering a distance of approximately 9 miles. Roadway improvements will be made along with new infrastructure for bicyclists. The coalition has received $41.9 million in federal funding and plans to complete 90% of the design in 2024 so construction can begin in 2025.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission plans to launch a $54 million pipe repair project in Redwood City. The Pre-Stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe Repair Project will address 650 feet of critically damaged pipeline on the western side of the San Francisco Bay. A Needs Assessment Report identified six segments of the damaged pipeline that require attention because of a potential failure risk that could occur because of breakage anywhere in the damaged pipeline’s spiral wiring. If that happened, it could lead to total system failure. The planned project will work as a short-term but necessary solution until more replacement is done. The first phase will involve planning, design and construction work, while the second phase will focus on addressing the remaining 1.25 miles of damaged piping. Bidding for the repairs is scheduled for late November 2024 and construction is slated for 2025.
The city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is planning a new Community Policing Facility. An initial design for the project was completed this month, and a cost estimate of $41 million has been established. The project will involve renovating the old facility and expansion construction of the municipal facility. Project planners estimate it will be about 15 months before the design is finalized, construction documents are prepared and a procurement method is identified. That pushes project bidding to the summer of 2025, and construction will launch soon after selecting contracting partners. This clear timeline ensures that all stakeholders know the project’s progression and can plan their involvement accordingly.
City leaders in Duluth, Minnesota, will oversee a project reconstructing West Superior Street in the city’s main commercial area. A cost estimation of approximately $38 million is designated. The reconstruction effort will redesign and enhance the area by adding seating, vegetation, protected bike lanes and space for pedestrians and other visitors. Parking will be reduced to free up space, and the entire area will be enhanced in several ways to attract activity. The project is currently in the design phase, with bidding for construction services expected in early 2025.
A recently completed CIP outlines a Texas project that the San Angelo City Council will oversee. A $28.4 million alternative transportation project will be launched to build pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure across the city. Project components will include connected sidewalks and bike paths linking neighborhoods. The effort will also connect the downtown area to medical facilities, schools, parks, shopping centers, restaurants, grocery stores and higher education facilities. Phase 1 of the initiative is expected to cost $5 million for reconstructing pedestrian elements, ensuring ADA compliance, and adding new sidewalks, crosswalks, and signal upgrades. Phase 2 carries a cost estimate of $23.4 million to rehabilitate and reconstruct a pedestrian and bicycle loop connecting various parts of the city. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction slated for the summer of 2026.
The city of Overland Park, Kansas, will oversee a $19.5 million project to build a fire and police facility. The city will gain a 23,000-square-foot shared public safety facility adjacent to the W. Jack Sanders Justice Center when completed. The building will include a four-bay drive-through fire station with cooking and living quarters for 12 firefighters. It will also host a new police tactical operations facility with space for the bomb, canine, dive and tactical response units. There will be office space for public safety departments, an indoor shooting range, an armory, lockers and a shared fitness area. A parking lot will be constructed to accommodate 95 visitors and staff. Construction is planned for 2026.
Upcoming projects such as these are found by researchers adept at finding and capturing valuable information about forthcoming projects requiring collaborations between public and private sector partners.
