Traffic study for causeway, Whiskey Ditch bridge to happen next summer

A traffic study that will be used to help determine the future of the causeway — otherwise known as the grade — in Worthington has been postponed until next summer, it was reported during Monday's Worthington City Council meeting.

City Engineer Hyunmyeong Goo explained Monday that during the Sept. 14 city council meeting, staff presented a task order with Bolton & Menk Inc. for the causeway study, which included installing a traffic camera to monitor vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Following further discussions with Bolton & Menk, staff recommended postponing the monitoring period until next summer, when traffic volumes are typically at their highest. Conducting the study during the summer months will provide a more accurate representation of peak vehicle and pedestrian traffic conditions along the causeway.

Additionally, as requested by the City Council, the Whiskey Ditch Pedestrian Bridge will be included in the traffic monitoring scope of the updated task order. The task order approved at the previous council meeting will be voided, and staff will prepare an updated task order for council consideration next spring.