Construction around Delaware has been busier than ever with work on Pennsylvania, one lane roads on 23, and the road closure on Section Line over the summer.
The growing population of Delaware causes for some re-works and updates on Delaware road systems.
These projects are often in the works long before we see work being done on the road.
“The city can hire a transportation consultant to prepare the engineering construction plans that define how the improvement will be constructed and how it is to operate,” Public Works Director Bill Ferringo said. “Design work can last one to three years depending on the project’s complexity.”
The biggest project going on at the moment is “The Point” project, being in the works for 8 years now with the idea of expansion to both sides of the road on SR 36/37. With the changes, the route will be able to handle the projected number of 40,000 vehicles a day by 2040.
“The Point project is a three-year initiative that is currently anticipated to be complete in July of 2026,” Ferringo said. “When complete, there will be a new railway bridge in place of the old crumbling structure, that can carry five lanes of traffic as well as pedestrian paths on both sides.”
Pennsylvania Avenue has been having work done on it since the spring. The project’s main point was to repave the road, but before that was done, a water company came in to look at different water and gas lines. While also putting in a bike trail along the north side of the road.
“In the case of work near the high school on Pennsylvania Avenue, the paving work started later than planned,” City spokesperson Lee Yoakum said. “[Due to] delays in project agreements with the fairgrounds, and unexpected gas line and utility water line work.”
Section Line being shut down is due to the final phase of construction that is a part of the County Sawmill Parkway extension which became a city priority 50 years ago. The goal for the last step is to add a roundabout that connects section line to sawmill parkway alongside the road work, Ferringo mentioned.
Lastly, the purpose of the road work on US 23 has been to have a section work more as a freeway by adding grade separated intersections, decreasing the amount of traffic signals and creating more overpasses.
“[US23 project] will have a notable impact on the City which is why local city staff have been very actively following [Ohio’s Department of Transportation] plans,” Ferringo said.
The process to get roadwork into action often comes from voices in the community raising concern.
“An example is the new traffic light being installed at Carson Farms Blvd. and US 36 (William Street),” Yoakum said. “This was the result of Carson Farms residents voicing their desire for a traffic light at the development entrance to their elected City Council rep.”
With all the construction around Delaware it leaves for some traffic and rerouting as well as different leave time.
“I have to leave early for everything because if I don’t, I won’t be on time,” senior Izebelle Brown said. “As well as taking different routes to avoid construction.”
The construction may be inconvenient, though with the rapid growth of Delaware, it is necessary.
“From my thirty years working for the City of Delaware, road projects are very expensive, take time, and require a lot of patience from those who want to see a particular improvement in place, and especially from those putting up with construction noise, dust and inconvenience,” Ferringo said. “This is all the more true in a rapidly growing community like Delaware. With growth comes the need for more streets, intersections, signals etc. But it also means we have a dynamic downtown to enjoy, and a growing base of shopping, restaurant, and recreation options available to everyone.”
