South Franklin Street in Richwood remains closed as crews from Underground Utilities of Monroeville dig up the base of the road as part of a multiple phase reconstruction project of both ends of Franklin Street. (Journal Tribune photo by Ally Lanasa)
Underground Utilities of Monroeville resumed work on South Franklin Street in Richwood on Monday, including ripping out the base of the road and installing new curbs and sidewalks. The construction crews will build a new base of two and a half inches of compressed asphalt for the road.
The crews were ahead of schedule before the fourth of July holiday, so they went to work on another project. After the recent rainfall, the crews are about a week behind on the project.
The crews are expected to complete their tasks on South Franklin Street in four weeks “if weather plays in our favor,” said Village Administrator and Police Chief Monte Asher.
“There’s so much that changes construction,” he added.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is scheduled to put down one and a half inches of compressed asphalt in mid-August, so the road will be a total of four inches of compressed asphalt.
Construction of the south portion of Franklin Street began in late March with replacing water, sewer and gas lines.
Due to the extensive work, the street will be closed until Sept. 12, according to previous reports from Asher.
Drivers coming from the south are encouraged to turn right on Tawa Road and left on Pearl Street to go around construction. Those traveling from the north are recommended to turn left on East Bomford Street, right on Pearl Street and left on Tawa Road to reach Route 4.
The third phase of the Franklin Street repavement project is expected to begin in 2023 when the village is eligible for another grant. Asher explained that the village cannot apply for another grant until its current grant is closed. The third phase of the project will be on another portion of North Franklin Street.
The infrastructure project will likely take four years to be completely finished.