By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
Spending money in Canal Winchester on necessities such as groceries or shoes, an evening out at a restaurant or fueling up a gas tank goes a long way in getting motorists to their destination.
In the early 2000s, voters approved a 1 percent sales tax increase that helps fund the city of Canal Winchester’s annual street program, a program that will spend more than half a million dollars this year on city streets.
Including the 2018 program, Canal Winchester has spent $2.6 million since 2014 repairing streets in residential and commercial areas in the city. Most of the funding comes out of the general fund, but it can also include state highway, stormwater, streets, wastewater, and water money.
Public Works Director Matt Peoples said this year’s list for street work includes: Ashlar Court, Atwell Court, Brick Court, Bruns Court, Burgstresser Court, Clay Court East, Clay Court West, Creek Court, Embers Lane, Heffley Court, Jenkins Drive, Murdock Lane, Saylor Court, and Walnut Drive.
Work will also take place on Buckner Court in Westchester; High Street from the railroad tracks to U.S. Route 33, along with sidewalk work at the tracks; final pavement at the new parking lot on Towing Path; multi-use path resurfacing on Dietz and Thrush; an annual sidewalk replacement program and miscellaneous curb, ramp and pavement repairs.
Streets/areas were selected based on criteria including condition, location, and the amount of traffic they carry, according to a Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan created by Peoples and Contract Services Administrator Bill Sims.
Peoples said residents of specific affected areas will be notified with a flier explaining the work to be done and any impacts. A general notice will also be posted on the city’s website and on social media.
“We are not expecting any major closures, but there will be some minor delays and temporary lane closures when work is going on,” said Peoples.
