Strasburg Village Council roundtable discussion held
Nate Zimpher, legislative director, and Javan Johnson, district representative, both staff members of U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson, 12th District, met in Strasburg Village Hall on March 29 in a roundtable discussion about potential projects in the village. In late August 2023, Balderson visited the village to offer suggestions and review potential upcoming projects.
Those attending were Scott Warner, Ohio Department of Transportation planning engineer; Thomas Corey, CPM, ODOT District 11 deputy director; David Hoffman, P.E., ODOT District 11 traffic engineer; Strasburg Mayor Bruce Metzger; Marty Zehnder, council president pro tem; council members Kathy Burrier, Liz Dreher and Wes Hostetler; and village administrator Mike Rosenberry. Lewis Dreher, a resident, also attended.
The main discussion stemmed on a possible roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 250 and Ohio 21, north of the village near ProVia. The company, built in Franklin Township, has brought much success to the village and township; however, growth brings additional traffic. Hoffman said a study has been done, and it would cost about $3 million to construct by 2028. The traffic pattern in that area is about 13,600 vehicles a day.
Zimpher said during the year Congress accepts 15 counties to submit a project to be reviewed by the house appropriations committee. He said specific plans must be in place before they are submitted. Zimpher said it is usually a 30- to 36-month process to seek funding. Hoffman said plans are to work with OMEGA and try to gain funding for projects. He said the design of a roundabout would solve congestion at that intersection.
The second concern is the bridge at the south end of the village located on U.S. 250. Warner said the first step is to find out who owns the bridge over the Sugar Creek. Then he said a study would be done to figure out funding. Zehnder said he would like the bridge extended and a right-thru lane that would turn on to I-77 southbound. He said there are three traffic lights in a row, and it backs up traffic.
Metzger said the school district is looking to sell land to a developer who wants to construct 60 houses off Tiger Drive.
Replacement of 100-year-old water lines and funding for the expansion of the waste water treatment plant also were discussed.
The village has received $309,000 for the second phase of the Safe Routes to School Program for First and Second streets to replace sidewalks that lead to the school and downtown. Strasburg School District did the leg work, and the village submitted the grant. The village also will receive $900,000 in TAP Grant funds for new curbing sidewalks and underground utilities for street lighting on Wooster Avenue. The TAP Grant should be awarded in July 2025 and must be used by July 2026.
