Wadsworth considers major capital projects for 2027

WADSWORTH — Wadsworth officials are considering several major infrastructure projects for 2027, including continued design work for a state Route 94 and Reimer Road roundabout, the first phase of a multimillion-dollar Quadral Drive reconstruction and millions of dollars in sewer and water improvements. Wadsworth City Council discussed the proposed projects during Monday's work session. The capital improvement plan is a planning document, not the city's final 2027 budget, and no decisions were made during the meeting. One of the largest transportation projects under consideration is a roundabout at state Route 94 and Reimer Road. The city plans to continue design work in 2027, with construction targeted for state fiscal year 2028. The city received a $2 million NOACA grant that would cover 80 percent of construction costs. Officials are considering additional funding options for the city's share, including State Infrastructure Bank financing. Tax increment financing proceeds, primarily from the Addison development, are expected to help repay project costs. The project is intended to address congestion and what officials described as a poorly performing intersection. If the project moves forward, the existing traffic signal would be removed. Construction is expected to take about 120 days, potentially lasting four to five months. The city is also proposing the first phase of Quadral Drive reconstruction. The first phase is estimated at about $640,000, with design work planned for spring 2027 and construction targeted for summer 2027. The project would use Ohio Public Works Commission grant and loan funding. "This being a heavily used industrial commercial roadway with not only passenger vehicle traffic but heavy truck traffic," said Director of Public Service Matt Hiscock. "And quite honestly, I think that combination of use has resulted in what we find ourselves without on Quadral Drive, which is a very challenging environment for an important artery of industrial users in our community." A second phase of the Quadral Drive reconstruction could cost nearly $4 million and potentially occur in 2028 or 2029. The city is continuing to seek federal funding for the larger project. Some street improvement levy funding would be redirected to the Quadral Drive project, leaving about $500,000 for the city's 2027 annual street program. Proposed work includes portions of Thelma Drive, Eric Lane, Hidden Valley Drive and Carol Way. The capital plan also includes several major sewer projects. The plan proposes about $1.6 million for sanitary sewer lining in three sanitary sewer overflow remediation areas, along with about $100,000 for inspection. The city has applied for approximately $1.8 million in Ohio EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund financing. Additional sanitary sewer overflow reduction work in two areas is estimated at about $3.7 million and could occur in 2027 or 2028. The city is also planning design work related to the Rainbow Street sanitary sewer overflow tank. Water infrastructure projects include improvements at the water treatment plant intended to increase treatment capacity without constructing a new plant. The work is being undertaken in response to an Ohio EPA mandate and would use Water Supply Revenue Bond Loan Account funding. The city is also planning water system improvements along Good and Longview roads. The city removed or deferred a portion of the project along High Street to avoid disrupting downtown during planned downtown improvements. The city's downtown project has an approved construction budget of $13.2 million, plus design costs. Design documents are nearing completion, with bidding expected in mid-to-late October. Council is expected to discuss bond issuance in November. Officials said financing for the downtown project could include a combination of cash, Ohio Department of Transportation funding, grants and debt. The capital improvement plan will continue to be refined as the city moves through its 2027 budget process, with additional budget discussions planned later this month. Contact Brooke Adams at 440-822-8373 or badams@medina-gazette.com.