City planning road construction projects

NORWALK — Construction projects planned for Norwalk this spring and summer will likely mean a few headaches for area drivers. "I just ask the public to bear with us," said Norwalk Public Works Director Aaron Osborn at a recent city council meeting. "It's going to be a process but it will be worth it when it's done." Osborn was specifically talking about a West Main Street reconstruction project from Sycamore Drive to 300 feet east of Valley Park Drive when he made those comments. The city got $1.575 million in federal funds through Ohio Department of Transportation to help pay for the project. That project will involve road repairs, curb repairs, driveway approaches, removal of old trolly tracks, and other improvements that will take place starting in May for about five to six months. That project will require temporary traffic signals, Osborn said. Osborn also gave updates on the following projects: A $235,000 Townsend Avenue improvement project involves street pavement and street markings. That is a joint project between the city of Norwalk and the Huron County engineer's office. Drivers on Townsend Avenue near Old State Road can expect some minor delays for about a month in late spring or early summer, Osborn said. A street improvement project on North Pleasant Street from West Main Street to Jefferson Street. DL Smith LLC was awarded the project in the amount of $444,404.40. That project could start as early as May 1. The project will involve resurfacing, curb, and gutter work and will start around May 1. A water line replacement project on Benedict Avenue near Christie Avenue. That project will involve replacing a water line that is more than 100 years old and is estimated to cost more than $1 million, Osborn said. That work is expected to take three months A sewer line project that will take place along Jefferson Street near Valley Park Drive that the city will be spending $80,000 on. The city is also going to be overseeing a McGuan Park parking lot improvement project. The parking lot getting resurfaced is the one at the corner of North Hester Street and Clifton Street. The parking lot project is being funded with a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant, Osborn said. "We thought that project would help spruce up the park," Osborn told city council. Finally, council members are excited about plans to construct an amphitheater at the Veteran's Memorial Lake Park, which are being paid for with a $300,000 state grant. "I really endorse this project," said council member Steve Schumm. "I think it's great. It's cultural enhancement for Norwalk." Mayor Dave Light described the amphitheater as a "kit" and said that meant it wouldn't have to be constructed from the ground up. Sarah Church, recreation coordinator for the city's park and rec department, said though the building is a kit, land will have to be cleared, a foundation will have to be put in, concrete will have to be poured, and electrical wiring will have to be installed. She said Firelands Symphony Orchestra, Norwalk Arts Center and Norwalk High School have all expressed an interest in using the facility, but there nothing is booked yet because officials don't know exactly when the structure will be complete.