East of Africa Winter Update
After the rain two weeks ago shut down plans to install the culvert in Alkyre Run for the Westar Boulevard extenton, the weather has turned cold enough to shut down most of the construction at East of Africa, the city’s 88-acre business development project.
Crews made minor progress on the observation decks and landings on the main holding pond just behind the Sharp House. Warmer weather will see crews continuing to fortify the foundations and mount support beams across piers rising from concrete mounts before beginning deck installation.
Crews have begun sorting through the stand of black locusts in the backyard of the Sharp House. A few trunks now carry small white paint dots, marks that look like decisions made during a recent walk through the property. The marks indicate trees that are to be removed.
City crews marked only about half the trees for removal as the larger 88-acre property is prepared for commercial use. The rest are not marked and will stay. The selective markings suggest the city aims to shape a safer, more stable edge around the one-acre parcel without stripping away its sense of place.
Black locusts grow in tight clusters and twist themselves into shapes that can hide weakness. Some can stand for decades, while others fail without warning once nearby soil is disturbed.
None of the trees in front of the Sharp House are marked for removal. However, one large tree has grown around a smaller tree that has since died. Its continued presence despite being partially sawn away will eventually damage the tree in the front yard causing it to be removed.
Frozen Ground Adds to Culvert Installation Delays
Work on the culvert for the planned connector between Africa Road and Westar Boulevard continues to be oh hold, this time because the excavation has frozen.
Crews wanted to return to the site this week expecting to resume installation of the eight precast concrete sections and paired headwalls. Instead, the standing groundwater from last week’s flooding had iced over, and the surrounding soil was frozen. Inspectors said the conditions prevent them from safely setting equipment or preparing the base for the culvert.
A crane is required to lower each section into place, but the work can’t begin until the excavation is stable and dry enough for sealing and grouting.
The contractor is attempting to reschedule the crane and crew, but the timing depends on weather and site conditions. The culvert sections remain staged nearby until the installation can move forward.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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