By Courtney Taylor
news@wbcowqel.com
Galion City held a meeting open to the public in regards to the Portland Way North project on April 5. The purpose of this meeting was to have a time and place for the residents affected to voice their concerns.
The project will take place from June 3 to August 15 as to not interfere with school activities. It will run about 900 feet from just north of Heise Park to just south of Carter Drive.
The goal throughout this project is to maintain traffic flow, maintain access to restaurants/business, and to ensure residents have access to their homes.
The residents mainly affected are those who live in the Timberlane Drive neighborhood. The city has concerns about the lack from people from Timberlane at the meeting.
The plan as of now is to have only northbound traffic proceed through a one way section. Cars will be detoured to the west side of the road then back to the east after Carter Drive. The purpose of the construction is to replace about 50 feet of sewer lines and new asphalt. The curbs and gutters will be able to still be used, and the concrete will be the same that was used on Portland Way South.
Some concerns brought up by the public were better signs indicating where the detours and construction were, and deterring semi-trucks. In response, a representative from the project mentioned that they are planning on posting many signs and even using the electronic billboards on the highway.
The anticipated cost of the project is less than $600,000 and the city will most likely hold another public meeting soon.