What's Happening in Dublin, OH…

Dublin will work in conjunction with its neighbor Columbus to improve several roads in the area, it was confirmed in late May.

The Dublin City Council approved a measure to allow it to join Columbus in acquiring rights-of-way. The agreement was reached since both cities have to buy land from the same entities. Paul Hammersmith, Dublin’s City Engineer, thought it was sensible to combine the two projects.

Dublin has planned to make improvements at the intersection of Hard and Sawmill roads for some time, and has timed the project to coincide with the improvements Columbus is making to the section of Hard Road between Sawmill and Smokey Row. Dublin’s improvements comprise adding right and left-turn lanes to the existing configuration on Sawmill Road.

The City of Columbus plans to widen Hard Road to four lanes, with construction slated to commence in 2015. Most of the intersection lies in Columbus, but because it did not plan to make improvements, Dublin started planning the work. Funding for the construction will be paid for in part by the Kroger Center and Lifetime Fitness, which will benefit from the improvements in the intersection.

Since the roads are heavily traveled, construction is likely to result in considerable delays and the need for detours. Dublin city officials could consider working with flyer printing experts to create a mailer to be sent to local residents. The piece could give the approximate dates of the construction, proposed road closures, and suggested alternate routes.