Columbus Street reconstruction is prompting Canal Winchester residents to seek relief from traffic flow woes by asking the village for a three way stop at Washington and Waterloo streets.
"We’ve been monitoring the situation there," said Public Works Director Matt Peoples. "It’s been hit or miss as to the time (of day). It’s something we can discuss in safety (committee). I’ll have Steve Farst (engineer) take a look at what can be done and bring recommendations to the safety committee."
The project is a total reconstruction consisting of a new, asphalt paved roadway; curbs and gutters; sidewalks; streetlights; and a new mast arm signal at Columbus and Washington streets. Pervious concrete parking areas-accommodating larger street trees-will be installed from High Street to Washington Street.
According to Peoples, there are 35 properties directly affected by the project. However, the entire community is impacted by the 100 day road closure from Washington to High streets. Columbus Street must be open to two way vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic by Aug. 18 in time for the Labor Day Festival, said Peoples.
Thrush Drive
In December, Canal Winchester was notified it would receive a grant and loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) to fund reconstruction of Thrush Drive and recently was notified that a financial assistance request for more than $900,000 would be released by the commission in July.
Although the village is forbidden to award a construction contract or start construction until the OPWC issues a notice to proceed, Canal Winchester can initiate engineering and design services and advertise for bids beforehand.
"This is the last step before we see the contract," said Finance Director Nanisa Osborn.
Reconstruction of Thrush Drive-from the intersection at Groveport Road to the intersection at Fox Hill Drive-consists of a full-depth replacement of the street, curbs, and gutters; continuation of a multi-use path to connect to a committed future path, and the addition of street lighting. Construction is expected to begin in early 2009.
Other Canal Winchester news
•Canal Winchester Village Council held first readings on April 21 on ordinances naming park land in memory of long-time employee James H. Kelley and the Howe family, who donated land to the village for a park along Howe Parkway. The James Kelley III Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Dietz Road and Washington Street.
"Because he was such a great employee in our service, did a lot of fishing down there, and I think it’s appropriate," said Councilman Dr. John Bender, who sponsored the legislation.
Councilwoman Leah Turner sponsored the Howe ordinance and said council wanted to thank and honor the family for their generosity.
