By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Motorists in Bowling Green have become accustomed to finding their preferred westbound detours as construction on West Wooster Street continues into its fifth month.
But when the West Wooster project is completed, drivers will have to find new detours around East Wooster Street, when a roundabout will be constructed at Campbell Hill Road.
The East Wooster project will also create a median in the center of Wooster Street from Campbell Hill to the Interstate 75 interchange. The new median will restrict access to businesses there to right-in and right-out turns only – which is expected to improve safety.
This project is part of the City of Bowling Green’s plan to provide a gateway to the city of and the Bowling Green State University campus.
The West Wooster project, which began last September, is for more utilitarian purposes. The project has multiple steps. First, the water and sewer mains will be replaced along West Wooster Street from Church Street to Haskins Road, and along Haskins Road from West Wooster Street to Wallace Avenue.
Next, the project will replace the water and sewer service lines to the right-of-way lines, which are located on the homeowner side of the sidewalk.
The underground work may be a pain for residents and motorists, but it is essential if the city wants to avoid issues with the aging water and sewer lines, according to Bowling Green Public Services Director Joe Fawcett.
“It’s a necessary evil so you don’t have more problems down the road,” he said.
Then after the water and sewer improvements have been completed, the curbs and roadway will be replaced along West Wooster Street and Haskins Road throughout the project area.
The new pavement should be completed by this fall.
“It’s still running on track,” Fawcett said of the West Wooster project.
The water main work is almost complete, with individual lines to homes and businesses to be worked on next. For motorists, the instructions will remain the same – no westbound traffic.
“As work continues to progress, the traffic pattern will stay the same,” Fawcett said. At some point, however, the eastbound only traffic may shift over into the westbound lane, he added.
“The city keeps asking for patience,” he said.
