The Point intersection of US36 and Ohio 37 serves as a City of Delaware gateway and carries more than 25,000 vehicles per day, including residents travelling to and from work, freight transport trucks, and emergency responders.
However, efficient traffic movement is slowed by congestion and delay from a 100-year-old, overhead Norfolk Southern railroad bridge restriction. Traffic back-ups of nearly a mile in length in both travel directions occur. Congestion at this intersection causes safety issues, as well as loss of productivity and revenues for area businesses.
The City and the Ohio Department of Transportation are planning to widen the railway underpass to allow for five travel lanes below the bridge structure, allowing for free and efficient movement of vehicles and freight through this intersection. The project also includes the construction of new pedestrian and bicycle paths and safe road crossings, opening access between the core of the community and major commercial shopping on our east side.
“The improvements are essential for the greater Delaware community’s continued health and vitality, as all residents, businesses and first responders will benefit,” City Manager Tom Homan said.
Delaware City Council on Monday night received an update on the timeline of the project, as well as the costs and impact on the city. The project is expected to cost a total of $45.4 million, with about 80 percent of funding coming from the state or federal government. The City of Delaware’s share is about $10.5 million, or 23 percent of the total.
The Ohio Department of Transportation will oversee construction and plans to seek bids in January 2023 and award a contract in February. Should the process remain on track, construction is slated to begin sometime next spring with a targeted completion date of September 2025.
Congestion and travel times will increase during construction, but City engineers say two-way traffic will be maintained. Overnight work will be required at times and there may be nighttime intervals when full closures will be required to move equipment and install various aspects of the project.
Read the October 2022 City Council Presentation
Original source can be found here.
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