Violet Township Construction Update
By Greg Butcher, PE. MPA, Violet Township Engineer
Several new construction projects have started or will be starting soon within Violet Township.
The Mingo Estates Infrastructure Improvement Project, Phase 2, has begun. The project involves the replacement of waterline, storm sewer and sanitary sewer. Additionally, existing sections of curb and pavement will be replaced.
The estimated cost of the project is $2.1 million. Funding is provided by the Ohio Public Works Commission in the form of a grant and loan. Additionally, funding is provided by Violet Township as well as from project partners the City of Pickerington and Fairfield County.
A new sidewalk – connecting Harmon Road with Stonecreek Drive through the Woodsfield subdivision (Meadow Wood Drive and Granden Street) – is planned. Additionally, a section of sidewalk along the west side of Harmon Road will be extended in front of the Harmon Road Park. Total length of the new sidewalk is about one mile
The project is federally funded with a $460,000 grant received in 2012 as part of the Safe Routes to School program. There is no local government match or contribution for this type of grant; it is 100 percent federally funded. Additionally, other sidewalk sections have been previously completed in conjunction with this program throughout Violet Township, within subdivisions near Fairfield and Violet elementary schools. All sidewalks will be located within public rights of way.
Improvements to Stonecreek Drive between Rustic Drive and Hill Road are scheduled for early 2016. This project involves the widening of Stonecreek to allow for a dedicated turn lane. Furthermore, the open ditches will be enclosed with new storm sewer and five-foot sidewalk will be constructed on the opposite side of the multi-use path. The $1 million project cost is funded with a grant and loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission.
The township’s annual paving program will provide some maintenance to existing streets, though this budget has been reduced considerably from prior years due to lack of funding.
Lastly, Pickerington Senior Center levy funds will allow for replacement of the center’s original parking lot.
