Reports on 10th Avenue and Tower Street work on Monday agenda

The Worthington City Council is scheduled during its Monday meeting to receive reports and order a hearing on the planned 10th Avenue and Tower Street reconstruction project.

Council members last month passed a resolution to order a feasibility report on the project. The proposed project includes full street reconstruction of both corridors, storm sewer replacement, new curb and gutter, and sidewalk reconstruction where applicable.

It’s noted in the feasibility report that the proposed project corridors have been identified for reconstruction based on the age, condition and performance of the existing pavement and storm sewer infrastructure. Both streets consist of bituminous pavement that has exceeded or is approaching the end of its useful service life.

Tenth Avenue was last reconstructed in 1997 and exhibits significant cracking, rutting, and drainage issues resulting from pavement settlement. Tower Street consists of pavement constructed in multiple stages, with the segment from Clary Street to 11th Street constructed in 2009 and the segment from 11th Street to 10th Avenue dating back to 1992. Despite the newer pavement on a portion of Tower Street, the feasibility report continues, overall roadway performance has been negatively impacted by settlement, cracking and poor drainage conditions.

In addition, the report states, Tower Street from Clary Street to 11th Street is scheduled to be vacated in 2026 and converted into a parking lot to support the new softball complex being constructed on the site of the former elementary school. Coordinating street, parking and storm sewer improvements as part of a single project is the most cost-effective approach, it’s noted.