Public Comments Requested for Sippo Valley Trail Bridge Replacement
Stark Parks, in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), invites the public to provide comments regarding the proposed replacement of a 13'-10" long timber bridge structure (Sippo Valley Trail Bridge No. 11) located on the Sippo Valley Trail between 12th Street NW and Bottoms Park in the City of Massillon in Stark County. The project will install a new concrete bridge structure and repair/reconstruct adjacent trail approaches to tie into the new structure.
The Sippo Valley Trail beginning at Bottoms Park is an 8-mile stretch of the former Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad bed. Both the trail and Bottoms Park are recognized recreational properties and are afforded protection from adverse impacts associated with federal-aid transportation projects. While the project will maintain access to Bottoms Park and the remainder of the Sippo Valley Trail, the trail section extending from 12th Street NW to Bottoms Park will be closed for a minimum of 60 consecutive days (the anticipated construction duration) to ensure the safety of trail users. Appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the public and protect trail and park facilities. Moreover, the project will be closely coordinated with Stark Parks, the City of Massillon Parks and Recreation Department and ODOT prior to and during construction activities.
All work will be performed within existing trail right-of-way and easement areas. No stream or wetland impacts are anticipated for the project. Any tree trimming or removal needed to access the bridge location will be minimized to maximum extent practicable.
Construction is currently scheduled to begin late spring or summer of 2025.
While the proposed project will not result in any adverse impacts to the Sippo Valley Trail and Bottoms Park or result in substantial impacts to environmental resources, Stark Parks and ODOT are seeking any comments you may have regarding the proposed project. Issues you may wish to comment on include, but are not limited to, the effect of the project on local residents, air quality, the local economy, floodplains, and historic or cultural resources. To ensure your comments may be considered during project development, please submit them no later than April 15, 2024, via the contact information below.
If you have any questions or comments about the project please contact:
Brian Peck
Environmental Specialist
ODOT District 4
2088 South Arlington Road, Akron, Ohio 44306-4243
330.786.4931 (office)
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. The comment period ends April 15, 2024. We sincerely appreciate your involvement!
