Road construction will make travel near Harding Way West and Portland Way South difficult this week.
In addition to the ongoing road work on Portland Way South that has closed the road within city limits, traffic will also be delayed on Harding Way West between Jefferson Street and Portland Way South this week.
Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary said the work would be done in two parts.
“The milling of the road will start on Tuesday and should be finished by Wednesday,” he said. “It’s absolutely in need of it.”
O’Leary said the area will be very congested and advises people to steer clear of the work until the milling is done.
“The businesses on this road will still be accessible if you need to get to them.” he said. “We will have additional traffic control provided by the police department.”
O’Leary said the paving of the road is expected to be later in the week.
Galion Police Department Chief Brian Saterfield said local traffic is being allowed on Portland Way South.
“The locals can still get to the businesses, hospitals and the nursing home,” he said. “There are alternate routes to get there.”
Saterfield recommends following the detours during the time the route will be closed.
The mayor said he believes better signage has been provided for the project.
“The trucks were blowing the detour signs over,” O’Leary said. “They were going down getting stuck and having to back down Portland Way. The street department put up the necessary signage for the project.”
He said ODOT will also post a portable message board east of State Route 61 which will direct all traffic.
“It will say 598 and 309 closed in Galion.” O’Leary said. “This will help keep the out-of-town truckers and traffic that doesn’t want to come into the construction zone.”
Saterfield said the police department will give citations to those who ignore the detour signs on Portland Way South.
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Reach Evans at 419-468-1117 ext. 2049 or on Twitter at @deborahevans31
