Pathway progressing on west end

SANDUSKY — Construction crews have taken some really big steps to begin improving pedestrian safety on Sandusky's west end. And, as work continues on the Sandusky Bay Pathway, city officials want to make some potentially problematic areas safer for when the walkway debuts. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners approved a $50,400 work order, paid for with local funds, to enhance two areas at railroad crossings. "It's a necessary cost to build the pathway. It has to cross the railroad," city manager Eric Wobser said. "This will ensure that the pathway is designed safely and also, by getting approval from the railroad, ensures the project can move forward." By 2029, officials ideally want to create an uninterrupted 13-mile-long waterfront route, connecting Sandusky's west side to its east end, linking parks, piers, restaurants, hotels, businesses, wooded areas and more. One area under construction today is a zone on Venice Road (U.S. 6) by Toft Dairy. Sidewalks on Venice Road should be complete by year's end. Sidewalks on Edgewater Avenue, meanwhile, are undergoing a design process. Aaron Klein, the city's public works director, gave an explanation about an ongoing partnership with Norfolk Southern to address this railroad issue: • What's going on: "There are two locations where the Sandusky Bay Pathway would need to cross the railroad: Edgewater Avenue and Monroe Street by the coal docks. Railroads have certain requirements to allow for the pathway or any other public infrastructure to continue uninterrupted through those properties. In addition, there are locations that may require infrastructure that is above and beyond normal pedestrian crossings. For example, it is very possible that they design gate arms, flashing lights, special pavement markings, specific signage, etc. They will perform the analysis and design for the city to ultimately include in the bid documents when those portions of the pathway are ready for construction." • What will happen: "Norfolk Southern will develop design drawings based on their own analysis. The design should start pretty quickly and should be completed yet this year."