By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
The Groveport Madison Board of Education approved an engineering proposal to improve the intersection of State Route 317 and Firehouse Lane, which is located at the entrance to Groveport Madison High School.
“The board approved the Kleingers Group Engineering Roadway proposal at its Sept. 13 meeting,” said Groveport Madison Schools Communications Director Kaitlin Duncan. “Funding has not been decided on, but there are numerous grants that could be applied for as well as partnering with the city of Columbus for this project.”
She said the total cost of the project is $80,050 and funding is still to be determined. The project does not have an expected start date as there are other grants to apply for that may push the project back.
“The changes are needed at the intersection to make it a safer intersection,” said Duncan. “The number one goal is to create more visible left turns from the intersection to make it safer.”
According to the Kleingers Group proposal, the existing southbound left turn lane on State Route 317 at the intersection would be extended 350 feet and include a 50 foot taper. The proposal said the improvements would improve sight distance for left turning vehicles.
City of Groveport Engineer Steve Farst said the city is in discussion with Groveport Madison Schools regarding a traffic study at this intersection completed by a consultant the school district engaged to examine the intersection and impact from further development east of the intersection along Firehouse Lane.
“The city has reviewed the traffic impact study report and, as the route is a State Route, it is prudent to receive and consider comments that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) may have before we get into a ‘project’ discussion,” said Farst. “It is always possible ODOT may recommend that the traffic impact study analysis be modified as to how the intersection is evaluated. The traffic impact study was provided to ODOT last month for their agency review. ODOT review comments are expected in the next few weeks.”
Bus purchases
The board approved the purchase of 14 school buses at a cost of $180,000. The buses age in model range from 2006 to 2009.
“The buses being purchased are already being used by the district,” said Duncan. “The main concern was not having any overcrowding on buses by adding more routes. The district now owns 77 buses.”
The district contracts with Community Bus Service for transportation services.
“Community Bus Service owns hundreds of buses,” said Duncan. “CBS buses for more than just our district.”
Duncan said the district’s goal is to own all the buses that are used to transport its students.
“We never want to be in a position where we previously were where we are scrambling to find buses or have overcrowded buses,” said Duncan. “It is in the best interest of the district to own and have control over our own buses.”
