Norton board approves $527,834 agreement with ODOT to resurface State Route 261

The Norton Board of Control voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to enter an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for resurfacing on State Route 261, a project designated PID 113037, with the city’s share not to exceed $527,834.

Board members described the approved work as the segment from Silver Springs to Collier. During discussion, members noted the full three-segment corridor would cost the city roughly $734,000 if the third segment were added and said the current agreement covers the first and third segments while the middle segment is being held out pending further ODOT coordination.

Council members emphasized coordination with a potential future waterline project. One participant said the city should avoid paving a street that will be dug up soon for utility work; others noted techniques such as boring could reduce the risk of having to re-cut recently paved lanes. The board discussed the financial split with ODOT and described the arrangement as favorable to the city.

A councilmember moved to approve the ODOT agreement and another seconded; the clerk called the roll and recorded unanimous approval among the members present. The clerk also noted that Miss Keener was absent.

The agreement will be finalized with ODOT so the resurfacing work can proceed according to the state schedule and city project management.