ASHLAND — Orange cones are scattered throughout downtown Ashland, but for good reason as the city has undergone a large repaving project.
This pavement rehabilitation project was scheduled by the Ohio Department of Transportation with construction beginning Aug. 12. It’s expected to be completed by early October.
“You have to resurface pavement, it’s a part of pavement management,” Ashland City Engineer Shane Kremser said. “It allows for a smoother ride and prevents further potholes and pavement stresses.”
The project in total costs $2 million, but the city’s share of the cost is $700,000. The main roads in downtown Ashland that are being repaved are Center Street (SR-60), Cottage Street (SR-60), and East Main Street (SR-96) from Claremont Avenue almost all the way to US-42.
During construction days, certain sides of East Main Street have been shut down, but the city has been able to keep traffic moving through the streets.
“When they’re doing some of their work there has been some backups, but generally speaking people typically find an alternative route, but then they are maintaining traffic through that work zone as well,” Kremser said.
With possible delays on Main Street, people may try to avoid Main Street more. However, according to businesses downtown that is not the case.
Ashland Bike Company employee Troy Chipka said the construction on Main Street has not really disrupted their business too much.
“People seem like if they need to come to our store for repairs, then they will come to our store for repairs,” Chipka said.
Ashland Bike Company owner Tony Bunt also agreed the construction has not really affected his business, but he also showed some excitement for this project.
“We’re excited about most of it because we ride on the roads so it’s really nice to have the pavement fixed,” Bunt said. “(Center Street) was almost dangerous, especially if we come in in the evening when the light is getting low and you would hit some of those potholes and it would about buck you off your bike, so it’s nice having it repaired.”
The Ohio Department of Transportation has also scheduled a pavement rehabilitation for the US-250 Bypass that will take place in 2020.
