Traffic Study Data Update
Contractors are analyzing traffic data collected in Uptown Westerville and comparing it to the existing signal patterns along State Street. Their goal is to determine if changes to the signal timing could enhance traffic flow through the district.
In early April, unusually tall sensors were placed along State Street between Walnut and Home Streets to count vehicles passing through the intersections. The sensor study focuses on how traffic moves through Uptown and whether any timing adjustments are needed.
City Chief of Staff Christa Dickey said the city regularly collects data across various corridors. Similar studies were done in 2023 along Polaris Parkway and County Line Road.
“Usually, no one notices them,” Dickey said. “But since we were in Uptown, we thought it would be pertinent to let people know what they are to help eliminate confusion or concerns.”
In the photo, workers record and compare traffic pattern settings on the control box at the corner of State and Main as part of the study.
City Hall Renovation Progress
The City of Westerville’s $21 million renovation project to overhaul and connect two government buildings is proceeding as expected. The front now shows sawtooth edges where new brick will connect to the old. The project to consolidate municipal operations into a single, modernized facility officially began in late 2024 and is expected to take approximately 15 months to complete.
Demolition work began with removing the city council chambers and the interior demolition of the former police station and other government offices. While both buildings will remain intact, they will be linked by a raised, enclosed walkway to create a unified City Hall complex designed to meet current and future space needs, according to the city.
“This motion represents the next chapter of a once-in-a-generational opportunity to reinvest in our City Hall not seen since 1987,” said Assistant City Manager Jason Bechtold during a November 19, 2023, City Council meeting, where the renovation contract was awarded. “When this project is completed, it will be almost 40 years. The City Hall Complex Improvement Project will provide the necessary square footage needed for the consolidation and future expansion of our operations here at City Hall and at 64 E Walnut.”
To accommodate construction, city staff have temporarily relocated to the former senior center on West Main Street at Alum Creek, while the Finance Department is operating out of the city-owned facility at 64 East Walnut Street.
City Manager Monica Dupee addressed parking concerns during the council discussion, noting that 11 new parking spaces will be added as part of the project. “If parking does become an issue, we do have other spaces our staff can park at and walk into work to make sure that the public will always have access to this building,” Dupee said.
During construction, the rear parking lot of City Hall is closed, displacing events that typically use the space. The Saturday Uptown Market will be temporarily relocated to the North High Brewing parking lot on South State Street, and other planned events will also be moved to alternate venues.
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