MOUNT VERNON — The city is preparing for a busy fall. Several projects are ready to begin around the city, according to Safety-Service Director Dave Glass.
The city accepted the low bid of Fechko Excavating from Medina for the Blackjack Road improvement project, Glass said. The $1,991,000 bid will include extending sewer and water lines down Blackjack Road, south from Moundbuilders Guidance Center, as well as the widening and resurfacing of the road.
The project also includes the reconfiguration of the intersection between Blackjack Road and Ohio 661. Blackjack Road will be moved west and a new intersection will be created across from where Industrial Park Drive is located. It will be a relatively quick project; work will start before the first of September, and officials hope to have asphalt on the road before November.
Just down the road, work has already begun on placing a traffic signal at Blackjack Road and Newark Road. A right-hand turn lane will be added for southbound traffic on Newark Road. The light is expected to stay green on Newark Road unless traffic crosses the loops on Blackjack Road and the driveway directly across from it.
Another project ready to begin is the brick replacement on West Curtis Street between North Main and Mulberry streets. Glass said work should begin by the end of this week. The project will include the removal of the bricks, fixing the curb and road bed, and then replacing the bricks.
Glass also said the downtown parking monitor will be back on the job this coming week. A new employee has been hired for the temporary position, which will help determine if a full-time monitor is needed.
The city is also looking into two safety issues on West High Street. The first is making improvements to the intersection of West High and Park streets. There will be new signs for U.S. 36 with arrows, the street painting will be improved and lights will be improved to help truck traffic maneuver west on U.S. 36.
The second project is a safety issue for students walking to East Elementary. The city will improve the signs and painting of the crosswalk at George Street, enabling traffic to see students better as they cross West High.
Other projects on the agenda include the building of a restroom in Foundation Park and the improvement of the entrance on the west end of the park.
Glass reported the city and police had no major problems with the closing of downtown streets for the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival.
