SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, OH — South Bloomfield is excited to announce that, after years of diligent work and collaboration, we have secured significant funding for a transformative safety improvement project on US 23. This initiative is made possible through the support of the Ohio Public Works Commission, the Pickaway County Traffic Improvement District, House Bill 2/Senate Bill 288, and a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement with North Gate Plaza.
The project, set to be put out for bid in the coming weeks with an expected completion date of July 2025, will bring a series of critical enhancements to US 23. Key upgrades include:
- Center Double Left Turn Lane: A new center double left turn lane will be added throughout the town, enhancing traffic flow and safety.
- Signaled Turn Lane: A new signaled turn lane will be constructed at the US 23/State Route 316 west intersection to improve traffic management.
- Curb Cut Removal: In collaboration with local business owners, we will be removing curb cuts along the corridor to streamline traffic patterns.
- Storm Sewer Replacement: All storm sewers will be replaced to improve drainage and mitigate flooding issues.
Brian Stewart State Representative for the residents of Ohio’s 12th House District said, “It was my privilege to fight for Village of South Bloomfield, Ohio and their project to widen US-23 in Pickaway County. I helped secure $1.5 million in the recent state capital budget for the project and I as glad to vote for it. US-23 has become a major commuter headache and this is one of several major projects we’re working on to improve the highway for travelers, along with $19 million in state funding I worked on in my first term to improve the SR-762 intersection.”
South Central Power has already begun relocating overhead power lines underground and removing old poles as part of the preparatory work for this project. This crucial step will clear the way for the upcoming improvements.
Additional updates to the area will include the replacement of streetlights and signage with designs better suited to the community’s needs, as well as the installation of new curbs and gutters along the corridor.
Following two separate pedestrian traffic studies indicating minimal sidewalk usage, we have decided to remove sidewalk construction from the current project. However, plans are underway to seek additional funding for future sidewalk installations along Concord Street on the east side and Union Street on the west side of US 23.
This project represents a significant advancement in improving the safety and efficiency of South Bloomfield’s main thoroughfare. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts these enhancements will bring to our community.
