SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, OH — After nearly a decade of planning and coordination, the Village of South Bloomfield is putting the finishing touches on a major streetscape improvement project along U.S. 23. Village officials say the project represents the most significant upgrade to the roadway through town in nearly a century.
A Long Road to Progress
The project dates back to late 2017, when the Village first explored streetscape improvements along U.S. 23, including relocating overhead power lines underground—a plan initially estimated to cost $1.5 million by South Central Power. The Village also requested a northbound left-turn lane at the intersection of U.S. 23 and State Route 316, though initial discussions with ODOT yielded limited success.
Key milestones in the project’s development include:
- May 2020: Reassessment of the U.S. 23 north light project with the Village engineer.
- June 2021: Presentation of the PowerPout streetscape design, featuring a center double left-turn lane.
- October 2021: Coordination with ODOT to delay U.S. 23 resurfacing from 2023 to 2024 to align with improvements.
- 2022–2024: Securing funding, including OPWC grants and loans, $1.5 million in State Capital Budget funding, and a $500,000 TID grant from Pickaway County.
- Fall 2024: Project bid with a planned February/March 2025 start.
- March 2025: Contract awarded to Boss Excavating, who began construction, including full resurfacing of Second Street and upgrades to all entrances and exits along U.S. 23.
Coordination Across Utilities
Village officials praised the cooperation of natural gas, electric, cable, internet, and phone providers, noting the extensive work to relocate main lines, remove or adjust utility poles, and even modify village water lines.
Timeline and Next Steps
While ODOT has delayed the final paving, the top course is now scheduled for spring 2026. In the meantime, Second Street rehabilitation and side street resurfacing are expected to be completed before Thanksgiving 2025. Attempts to accelerate the work with nighttime construction were halted after safety concerns arose when a vehicle struck several construction barrels.
A Community Effort
Mayor Aaron Thomas highlighted the contributions of key individuals and organizations that made the project possible, including:
- Representative Brian Stewart
- Senator Michelle Reynolds
- Pickaway County officials
- South Bloomfield Village Council
- Joe Allen, Village Administrator, who Thomas described as instrumental in coordinating and managing the project from start to finish
“Many doubted this could be pulled off, but Joe made it happen,” Thomas said. “Thanks to this team, we didn’t have to wait another decade for ODOT to ‘study’ it—we got it done.”
As the Village prepares for final traffic light installations, side street improvements, and ODOT’s topcoat in spring 2026, residents can look forward to a safer, more modern, and fully accessible U.S. 23 corridor through South Bloomfield.
