Madison Township moves closer to Lincoln Terrace culvert replacement; Sheetz gas station causes road changes

MADISON TOWNSHIP — A long-awaited culvert replacement on Lincoln Terrace cleared a major hurdle after the township secured funding and opened talks with a key property owner.

Township officials said during Tuesday night’s Trustees meeting that Madison received a grant through the Ohio Public Works Commission to replace the aging culvert, marking a significant step toward improving drainage and road safety.

Adam Gove says easement talks are underway

The project requires additional right-of-way to install the new culvert, prompting discussions with Ohio Edison, which owns the needed property.

“We needed a little bit more right-of-way to put that culvert in,” Richland County Engineer Adam Gove said.

Gove contacted Ohio Edison to request an easement, which must be in place before construction can begin.

“It sounds like they are willing to sign and donate the property,” he said.

Crews already completed work on the opposite side of Lincoln Terrace, leaving the north side as the final piece of the project.

“I’m hopeful we will have something here soon for the north side of Lincoln Terrace,” Gove said.

Plans also call for permits related to work under high-voltage power lines near the site.

Gove said the permit process includes a $750 application fee and will require trustee approval once details become clearer.

Officials still need to determine the construction timeline and what equipment crews will use before seeking approval.

“Other than that, I think the plans are pretty well done,” Gove said.

Sheetz gas station project brings Stewart Road changes

Trustees also reviewed plans connected to a gas station improvement project relocating an existing driveway on Stewart Road.

“We do have an approved plan from Sheetz,” Gove said. “I’ve reviewed them and they are installing a new drive on Stewart Road.”

Gove said Sheetz plans to move the drive entrance slightly north and eliminate the current entrance.

Gove noted there will also be a drive off of State Route 42 as well.

As part of the relocation, Sheetz will install a new storm sewer beneath the driveway, along with multiple catch basins.

“They are installing a new storm sewer under that drive with a couple catch basins,” Gove said.

The project also includes re-striping Stewart Road to add a dedicated turn lane into the Sheetz driveway.

Gove told trustees they may want to require Sheetz to use an Ohio Department of Transportation pre-qualified contractor for the striping work.

The Sheetz gas station will be located at 1075 Ashland Road, which was previously Rite Aid. Gove said plans will possibly start in March.