Batavians' thoughts on second bridge possibilities sought

Batavia residents can comment on proposals for a second bridge for downtown Batavia at an open house at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

They may want to do some homework in advance to prepare.

The open house will focus on the feasibility study of two crossings with five potential corridors consultants Wills Burke Kelsey Associates Ltd. recently finished. The study was presented earlier this month to the city council's community development committee.

The consultants were directed to study traffic, geographical and design issues for two potential bridges - one at First Street, the other at Main Street. Each has several corridors possible, with different approaches to the bridges.

Some highlights of the report:

• "No alternative stands out as significantly better than the others," the consultants wrote, but the Main Street crossings "are slightly preferable."

• Without a second bridge, the city can expect to see traffic on the Donovan Bridge on Wilson Street increase by at least 30 percent by 2030.

• A Main Street crossing would likely require adding left-turn lanes on Route 31, which could mean eliminating some of the on-street parking in front of businesses on Route 31.

• Projected costs for the bridge range from $17.8 million to $23.5 million, depending on whether parking spots are included.

The open house is at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave. The community development committee will meet afterward to discuss the public comment.

The 63-page study is available on the city's website, cityofbatavia.net, under the "Projects" heading and the subhead "Additional Bridge Crossing." The study, a summary of the study and a PowerPoint presentation on the study are available. They explain the methods used to compute the data collected, project traffic volumes and calculate the geometry of various bridges.

Questions can also be directed to the city engineering department by calling (630) 454-2000.