MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township began replacing a 30-inch culvert with a larger 60-inch by 50-inch culvert on Thursday, aiming to address ongoing flooding in the area.

(Images show the 30-inch culvert set for replacement. Images provided by Dan Fletcher)

Trustee Dan Fletcher said the project has been a long time coming in previous Richland Source coverage.

“We’ve secured funding and I’m looking forward to seeing that project completed,” Fletcher said.

The culvert is located on private property under a sewer line from Dollar General on Ashland Road.

Fletcher confirmed the work will not require road closures or traffic detours.

Project details and funding

In December 2024, Madison Township trustees awarded a contract to Brennstuhl Construction for the replacement to prevent further flooding at the intersection of Manner and Eastview drives.

Brennstuhl Construction is handling the $76,467.52 project, and Shaffer, Johnston, Lichtenwalter and Associates are providing engineering at a cost of $29,435.

Richland County engineer Adam Gove reviewed the bid and suggested the board award the contract to the Bellville business. The bid came in below the engineer’s estimate of $110,520.

Fletcher said American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding covers the full cost of the project, with county commissioners contributing $50,000 of their ARPA funds to support the effort.

“The debris just flows right in and blocks that culvert. I think residents will be happy with the improvement,” Commissioner Tony Vero said in previous reporting.

The county engineer also helped secure a land access agreement with the property owner, giving Madison Township permission to complete the work.

While there is no official completion date, Fletcher anticipates the project will finish in about two weeks.

He added the upgraded culvert should solve flooding problems at the intersection and improve safety and convenience for residents.

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