The Portland Way project resumed on March 14 but some motorists did not get the memo.
The southern end of the project to rebuild Portland Way South from Grove Avenue to the city limits is a continuation of the project that began last fall and is expected to take at least three months to complete. Buckeye Excavating and Construction is the lead contractor and Smith Concrete is doing the curbing.
According to Matt Echelberry, communications director for the city, the road was fully closed to traffic beginning March 29 for milling in the section from Henry Street north to Sunny Side Drive.
“Work is still being done in this section. The road was proof rolled last week but they have been holding off on concrete work due to the cold temperatures and rain. After they are done with this section, they will move to the section from Rosewood Avenue north to Grove Avenue.,” Echelberry said. “The final section of the project is from Monnett-New Winchester Road to Henry Street.”
Several motorists have been issued citations for driving on a closed road since the project began.
“We have been citing people for shortcutting, driving on a closed road and for truck route violations. Many of these have been semi’s that are going around the barricades and/or driving on our residential streets,” said Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield.
Drivers are reminded to pay attention to the closure and detour signs. The local detour is South Boston Street and Railroad Street. The Galion Police Department will issue citations to drivers who go into the project site.
Lyn Makeever, the project engineer for the project, said that progress on the project has been slow.
“The ground needs to dry up before the road base can be finished. The contractor will be on site Tuesday to put a stone base into excavated areas and put dry soil into areas where new sidewalk was installed,” Makeever said. “Despite the weather, the project timeline has not been affected.”
Echelberry said that businesses within the project area, such as BJ’s Family Restaurant, Galion Orthopedic Center and Victory Lanes, are all open.
“BJ’s can be accessed from the south, or drivers coming from the north have permission to park in the bowling alley parking lot. The Orthopedic Center can be accessed by taking Biddle Road to Hosford Road,” Echelberry said.
