By Dedra Cordle
Staff Writer
The Franklin County Engineer’s Office recently unveiled its list of road resurfacing repairs that are planned for 2023. Among the road resurfacing projects that made the cut include several residential streets and thoroughfares in Jackson Township.
According to Administrator Shane Farnsworth, these are the six township roads that are scheduled to be resurfaced during the upcoming paving season:
•Anglebrook
•Borror Road from Patzer Ditch to State Route 104
•Deer Path Drive
•Edwards Drive
•Hyde Road east of State Route 62
•Hyde Road west of State Route 62
Farnsworth said the county originally earmarked these roads for resurfacing repairs last year, but the contractor was unable to complete the township project due to low staffing levels and supply chain issues.
He added that the township is confident the resurfacing project will be completed this year.
“We are not entirely sure when they will be able to get around to doing this project, but we are confident that they will be able to get it done sometime in the spring, summer, or even the fall.”
Due to the smaller scope of the project, Farnsworth said he does not believe the roadways will have to be closed when they are resurfaced.
“It will likely be used as a one-way road for a short duration of time,” he said.
He also said that the conditions of the roadway are still safe for travelers.
“The roads have a lot of wear and tear on them but obviously they are still in working order,” he said. “But I have to say, it will be nice to have them resurfaced so they can be safer for decades to come.”
The cost of the road resurfacing project is estimated at $378,000. The township board of trustees approved the road resurfacing repair work order at its meeting on March 14.
In related news, Farnsworth said the state public works commission is still processing its grant application to repair and resurface Brown Road and Dyer Road. He said the township will likely hear whether they have received funding for the project in May.
In other news, the board of trustees have approved a resolution to hire Crossroad Community Planning LLC as a consultant as the township looks to modify its comprehensive land use plan. The township will pay the economic planning and development firm $54,950 to make recommendations on how the area can be better utilized for the future. Township officials said this will be a 12-month process and there will be many opportunities for the public to give their feedback on how they would like the township to look in the future.
