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S.R. 256 improvements planned
The City of Pickerington has been awarded a $5 million safety grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to upgrade S.R. 256 from I-70 to Refugee Road.
Improvements will include:
• Extending the third southbound lane from Hunter’s Run/Marcus Cinemas to Refugee Road
• Adding a third northbound lane at S.R. 204
• Adding a fourth northbound lane at the I-70 eastbound entrance ramp
• Resurfacing S.R. 256
• Converting traffic signals to color coordinated mast arm signals with back plates, large street name signs and street lighting
• Adding center landscape medians where possible
“This is the maximum award for an ODOT safety grant application,” City Engineer Greg Bachman said. “In return for a city investment of $500,000 toward this vital road improvement project, ODOT will provide $5 million of needed construction.”
Approximately 35,000 vehicles travel S.R. 256 daily. It is the main north-south corridor for business and commerce for the area.
A nationally-acclaimed ACS traffic signal system already provides some relief from traffic congestion, but city officials believe this grant will give the community a safer, easier-to-navigate thoroughfare.
“This roadway project is crucial to the ongoing growth and development of Pickerington,” City Manager Bill Vance said. “It’s rewarding to have a state agency like ODOT recognize the importance of the phenomenal growth in our region to the extent that they are willing to invest resources here.”
Bachman says planning for the project will begin immediately with engineers from ODOT meeting with city officials to finalize a project schedule.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2014.
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