Railroad repairs add to city traffic headaches

Marysville drivers are going to have another obstacle to maneuver around starting this week.

The railroad crossing on Delaware Avenue is closed for repairs starting Monday, with the closure expected to last most of the week.

City officials said CSX is conducting the work, which will result in a full road closure, according to an update from the City of Marysville posted mid-morning on Monday.

“Drivers should plan ahead, use alternate routes and expect delays when traveling through the area,” city officials said on social media. “Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this necessary infrastructure work is completed.”

The project comes as drivers are already navigating the closure on East Fifth Street, just down the road. That work is expected to go a little longer, ending in December.

Crews will be doing asphalt resurfacing, new concrete curbs, driveway approaches and sidewalks, storm sewer improvements, street trees and new lighting. Planned safety improvements include curb bump-outs, upgraded curb ramps, enhanced crosswalks with pedestrian crossing signals and a new boulevard median. The roadway’s existing width will remain unchanged.

The project extends approximately 0.34 miles from Walnut Street to Poplar Street. Decker Construction is performing the work, with the project supported in part by funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Large Cities program, the Ohio Public Works Commission and the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization. The estimated project cost listed in state transportation documents is approximately $2.57 million.

East Fifth Street has been closed to through traffic in both directions for most of the construction period, with access maintained for residents and emergency vehicles. Fourth and Sixth streets are designated detour routes, with motorists encouraged to use Fourth Street when possible.