AMATS | Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study | Planning for Greater Akron

Akron’s new Mill Street Bridge was officially opened to pedestrians and traffic in late August.  The $10 million bridge replacement project took nearly two years to complete.  To view the bridge’s construction, click the accompanying slideshow above.

Originally built in 1904, the old bridge was deemed beyond repair several years ago.  The bridge spans the CSX railroad tracks between Summit and College streets and is a vital link between downtown Akron and The University of Akron. 

AMATS programmed the project in its previous Transportation Improvement Program.  The project was funded through a variety of local, state and federal sources including $4.3 million in federal discretionary funds, nearly $2.6 million in Ohio Public Works Commission funds, $360,000 in federal “stimulus” funds, and $20,000 from The University of Akron.

AMATS announces that $53 million in funding will be available to Greater Akron area communities for transportation projects.

As the agency responsible for regional transportation planning in the Greater Akron area, AMATS administers several federal funding programs.  The agency recently determined that additional funding would be available for various transportation improvement projects in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. 

Victor Botosan, the agency’s Transportation Improvement Program coordinator, says that AMATS is accepting applications from communities, which will be scored based on agency criteria.  The agency’s Policy Committee should issue its final funding decisions early next year.

“This pot of money represents a tremendous opportunity for project sponsors in our area.  Now is the time for them to apply to AMATS for a needed road repair, a streetscape improvement or even a bike-and-hike trail,” Botosan says. 

For additional details, please contact Botosan at 330-375-2436 or by email at VBotosan@AkronOhio.gov.