By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
When motorists see the newly paved South Main Street being ripped up again for new pavement, Brad Holman wants them to realize it was defective asphalt at fault – and the repairs are being made at no cost to the city.
“When you see the asphalt being milled up, no one’s crying more than me,” Holman, the Bowling Green city engineer, told City Council Monday evening.
Holman reported on several projects planned in the city this year, including the Brim Road shared use path, and approximately $1 million in residential street paving projects.
Crews on the South Main Street Improvement Project have completed major paving operations along the corridor, and approximately 80 new trees have now been planted as part of the project’s streetscape enhancements. Additional seeding and restoration work will be completed weather permitting.
Installation of the new pedestrian hybrid beacons between Gypsy Lane Road and Napoleon Road is now complete. The signals are currently in the final stages of being activated. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are designed to improve safety by stopping traffic only when pedestrians are present. When activated, the signal will flash yellow, then turn solid red, requiring drivers to stop.
Weather permitting, crews will return to South Main Street at the end of April to mill and repave problem sections of asphalt. The contractor is paying for this work, Holman said.
Following inspections at the end of the 2025 paving season, the city identified areas of concern and anticipated the need for corrective work once asphalt plants resumed operation in the spring. This proactive approach ensures the long-term quality and durability of the roadway, according to city officials.
During this time, lane closures will be in place and clearly marked. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the process.
This final phase builds on the South Main waterline replacement work completed in 2024 and includes:
- Full repaving of South Main Street from Ordway Avenue to the southern corporation limit.
- Curb, sidewalk and ADA ramp repairs.
- A new separated shared-use path on the west side between Napoleon Road and Gypsy Lane Road.
- Road widening and dedicated left-turn lanes at the South Main Street/Napoleon Road intersection.
- Installation of two pedestrian hybrid beacons between Gypsy Lane and Napoleon Road.
- Planting of approximately 80 new trees along the corridor.
Holman also reported that the city will begin construction on the Brim Road shared use path in early June. This project is designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety while improving connectivity for residents and students in the area.
The project will create a shared use asphalt path along Brim Road from Bishop Road to North Christopher Street. An additional segment will extend along Van Camp Road to approximately 701 Van Camp Road, before crossing south through city-owned property to connect directly with Bowling Green Middle School and High School.
Once complete, the shared use path will provide a safe and accessible route for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users. The project is expected to be especially beneficial for students traveling to and from school, offering a dedicated route separated from vehicular traffic.
The total estimated cost of the project is $1,121,768, funded through a combination of Ohio Department of Transportation Systemic Safety Funds and City of Bowling Green funds.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early June 2026, with completion expected by September 2026. This timeline is subject to weather and progress of work.
During construction, traffic will be maintained, with one lane closed only when necessary. Full roadway closures are not anticipated. Access to Bowling Green High School and Middle School, as well as to nearby homes and businesses, will be maintained.
The city is also planning approximately $1 million in residential street paving projects, starting in July. The streets on the list include:
- Buttonwood Avenue from Sand Ridge Road to Wooster Street.
- South Grove Street from Sand Ridge to Wooster.
- Rudolph Road from Gypsy Lane Road to Sand Ridge.
- Ordway Avenue from Maple Street to Main Street.
- Adams Avenue from Maple to Grove.
Also on the city’s list of projects are:
- Conneaut Avenue sidewalk on the south side, from Cedar Street to Wintergarden Road. This project is currently out for bid.
- Design of the Crim-Scott Hamilton shared use path, to be constructed in 2027.
- Design of a pedestrian hybrid beacon for the crossing of the Slippery Elm Trail at West Gypsy Lane Road.
- Design of the Brim-Bishop roundabout.
- Waterline replacement along South College Avenue, from Napoleon Road to East Wooster Street.
Residents may stay informed about infrastructure projects by visiting the city’s capital projects map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5e03aff3b8e54c49b54edfd57bffa7d6
