Athens City Council discussed different road construction projects for 2020 Monday and the traffic changes that will impact the city as a result.
One of those projects is the Richland Avenue Pedestrian Passageway. That project was previously postponed because of budget concerns as well as a constrained time frame, according to a previous Post report.
Mayor Steve Patterson informed council that the construction of the Richland Avenue Pedestrian Passageway will begin on March 1. The construction of the passageway will take place until Sept. 11 and will cause detours in Athens.
“There will be significant detouring through the city, at least in the Uptown area,” Patterson said. “If you’re heading north on Richland and you’re heading uptown, you’ll be detoured onto Shafer, Shafer onto West Union and then West Union on up to Court Street to proceed through the Uptown area.”
Patterson suggested that those trying to navigate through uptown take the route that he will be taking during construction.
“Do what I’m gonna do, and go all the way to Stimson Avenue, and jump on if you’re coming from the south side, and enter into the city that way,” Patterson said.
The Columbia Gas installation on Mulligan Road between Hickory and Curtis Street will also affect traffic in Athens.
Councilman Jeff Risner, D-2nd Ward, said there will be one-lane traffic in that area for the next month and that people are recommended to find an alternative route.
In addition to the reports given about traffic changes, Law Director Lisa Eliason gave the Law Director report as mandated by the Ohio Revised Code.
