The Batavia City Council on April 21 approved contracts and easements to build a bike ramp at the Peace Bridge and authorized the relocation of electrical infrastructure needed to support the project.

The action moves forward a project council members said has been discussed for years to provide a protected bicycle route downtown and reduce bicycle–pedestrian conflicts during events such as the farmers market.

Council approved a construction contract with V3 Construction Group Limited not to exceed $2,579,820, including a 10% contingency, to construct the Peace Bridge bike ramp. Council also approved a contract with Electrical Conduit Construction in the amount of $543,988, which includes a 10% contingency, to relocate electrical infrastructure related to the ramp. In addition, the council approved a temporary construction easement agreement with the Batavia Park District for work adjacent to the bridge and waived formal bidding where noted in the agenda packet.

Alderman Aldwin Wolf, who presented the construction contract, said the ramp was intended to let bicyclists access different grades without dismounting and to create a protected route away from River Street during busy events. "This is something we've talked about for a long time," Wolf said.

Council members and staff said construction timing will attempt to avoid impacts to the Saturday farmers market: the contract includes a stipulation that work will not block the bridge on Saturday mornings. Staff noted there may be times when the bridge must be closed for safety during specific work activities; a detour route on Wilson Street is included in project plans.

Roll calls on the individual measures recorded unanimous support among those present: each of the Peace Bridge related resolutions passed by recorded votes showing 13 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent.

The council packet and staff presentations referenced TIF (tax increment financing) funds as the available source for the project; that funding availability was cited by Wolf when presenting the motion.

Construction timing: council and staff said the Park District owns the bridge structure, which is why the temporary construction easement was necessary. Staff indicated the project team will coordinate to minimize downtown impacts and to keep the bridge open for market use when safe to do so.

The council’s approvals clear the way for procurement, utility relocation, and construction scheduling; staff will return with typical contract administration updates as work progresses.