Council approves $8.07M resurfacing package; officials urge caution after construction-zone fatality

Columbus City Council voted to approve a resurfacing package covering 36 streets and associated ADA curb ramps, awarding the work to Kokosing Construction and authorizing an expenditure the deputy director corrected to $8,074,002.35.

Deputy department staff told council the resurfacing contract will be posted to the city site if passed and emphasized safety after a construction worker, Jordan Thomas, was struck and killed recently in a work zone on I-70. “This is a senseless and devastating loss,” the deputy director said, urging drivers to slow down and pay attention in work zones.

Councilmember Padilla framed the resurfacing work as a key part of short-term efforts to repair streets and update markings; the deputy director said city staff are preparing information pages and work orders to address faded lines and improve signage. Council moved the ordinance for passage after the deputy director confirmed the corrected dollar amount.

The ordinance authorizes expenditures from the Streets and Highways bond fund and the Recreation and Parks voted bond fund for resurfacing and curb ramp work; the deputy director said new online information about the resurfacing packages will appear on the city website if the legislation passes.