Sat Nov 07 2009
By JARED ORZOLEK
NAPOLEON -- A construction project upgrading one of the main thoroughfares in Napoleon is ahead of schedule and entered its second phase this week, city officials report.
Working on the Woodlawn Avenue upgrade is Underground Utilities Co. of Monroeville, which is improving the street, curbs, sidewalks, water lines and storm sewers of the streetway from Scott Street to Glenwood Avenue.
Woodlawn Avenue provides direct access from U.S. 6/24 to Napoleon's downtown district.
"The project seems to be going well. It's slightly ahead of schedule," said city engineer Chad Lulfs. "I think (the project) is turning out well. We've had a lot of compliments. It's nice to see that people seem to like the way it's turning out."
The $2 million construction effort, partially funded by a $500,000, 0 percent interest state loan, is part of Napoleon's efforts to comply with Environmental Protection Agency mandates.
The first phase of the project involved work from Willard Street to Scott Street. Crews put the finishing touches on this portion Thursday as construction workers began the second phase, which runs from Willard Street northwest to Glenwood Avenue.
"Traffic will be maintained to businesses during this phase. While the road is dug out, we will have alternative access to those businesses," Lulfs said.
The entire length of Woodlawn Avenue is closed to through traffic during the project, however, local motorists are now able to travel on the section of roadway that runs from Willard Street to Scott Street.
"We will ask that people be careful because there are some manhole covers sticking up that are marked with paint," Lulfs cautioned.
Once the second phase of the project is completed, the final pavement layer will be placed along the entire length of the roadway.
"The fewer seams we have, the better surface we will have," Lulfs said.
Final paving could begin by early October, and the roadway is expected to re-open to traffic by mid-October.
Lulfs also said that the Maumee and Western Railroad Co. has agreed to improve the railroad crossing which bisects Woodlawn Avenue.
The city is involved in a 20-year effort to prevent sewer overflows from entering the Maumee River.
Projects like Woodlawn Avenue are part of the EPA-mandated infrastructure improvements, which are expected to carry a total price tag of more than $30 million.
The Woodlawn Avenue project was originally scheduled to commence in 2007, but was delayed to the 2008 construction season.
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