LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The transformation of the downtown Lima streetscape is continuing as the reconstruction of a well-traveled road is set to begin.
Central Avenue between Elm Street and Wayne Street will get a whole new look starting this spring. It will remain one-way to the north but will only be one lane of travel. There will be angled parking, new sidewalks, and street lighting along with a bike lane. City engineers say this will improve the safety of the corridor.
"Right now with two lanes what we are seeing is a lot of sideswipe crashes. So, we're actually hoping reducing it to one lane it's going to be safer and we're going to see less vehicle accidents," commented Ian Kohli, City of Lima engineer.
Construction is expected to begin in April on the 4-million dollar project which is being funded through multiple sources.
January 3, 2024 Press Release from the City of Lima: On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, Mayor Sharetta Smith, alongside members of the City of Lima Department of Public Works, and in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), announced plans for complete street improvements along Central Ave. (State Route 65) from Elm Street to Wayne Street.
“The Central Avenue Streetscape project will create attractive, business-friendly corridors, and enable safe use and mobility for all users,” states Mayor Sharetta Smith. “This is the next piece in the City’s multi-phase project to continue revitalizing the downtown.”
The majority of Phase 1 of the Downtown Streetscape will be complete in February 2024, as the City wraps up the $1 million dollar investment in the 100 block of Spring Street.
Phase 2 for Central Avenue focuses on revising the existing two-lane, one-way traffic to one-lane, oneway traffic with a bike lane and angled parking spaces. Sidewalks and crosswalks will be updated to address existing barriers to accessibility while creating safer and shorter crossings for pedestrians. Additionally, there will be improved lighting, landscaping, striping and signage installed throughout the corridor.
No right-of-way acquisition will be necessary, as the proposed project will be constructed entirely on City of Lima property or within City of Lima right-of-way. Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures, therefore, traffic detours will be required. Access to driveways and sidewalks will be maintained during construction, with the exception of necessary brief closures as drainage, sidewalk and driveway apron work is performed.
RTA bus service will be maintained during the majority of construction, although terminal access may be temporarily re-routed during various phases of the project.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2024 and will take approximately 12 months to complete.
The City of Lima welcomes any questions or comments regarding this project. To provide comments about this project, please contact Ian Kohli, City Engineer, by February 9, 2024.
Email: Ian.Kohli@cityhall.lima.oh.us
Phone: (419) 221-5288.
