ThisWeek CW 07/11/2013
Access to the Canal Winchester Post Office will be rerouted for about 10 days while water line and street construction continues in the Tank Town neighborhood.
Beginning July 15 and continuing to July 24, Water Street will be closed. All traffic to and from the Post Office will be diverted onto West Fairfield Street and Highland Avenue.
Bill Sims, the city’s construction services administrator, said detour signs will be posted to assist drivers.
“Maintaining traffic to the post office is an important part of the work in this area,” he said. “Water Street and Highland Street are both being reconstructed with all new pavement and curbs as part of the Tank Town project.
“Work on Tank Town started in March and will be completed at the end of August.”
Sims said the contractor, Darby Creek Excavating, is currently on schedule and has been meeting all of its milestones.
“The project has been moving along quite well,” he said. “The contractor has been utilizing ample forces to stay on schedule and to meet critical contract dates. The contractor has also been coordinating well with the city and residents, particularly with regards to water line shut-downs and service transfers.”
The $2.13-million project is being funded by an Ohio Public Works Commission grant for about $1.1 million and a no-interest loan for the rest, which Canal Winchester will finance for the next 30 years. Residents in the area are getting new water mains and resurfaced roads, as well as other improvements such as some new curbs and sidewalks.
Following the Water Street reconstruction, Sims said Beaty Street will be rebuilt as well, with limited access for residents. Kramer and Jennings streets will be milled and resurfaced in late July and into August.
Sims said the city will continue to communicate with residents about access issues as the project continues.
“We have to replace these aging and deteriorating water mains, which will certainly improve delivery as well as fire service delivery,” he said. “The improved roadways will be a benefit to anyone who drives in the area.”