Those who travel the busy corridor of Hamilton Road near Gahanna and find themselves bogged down in traffic will have relief by 2019. The Columbus City Council approved a $7.8 million project on Monday night that will widen about a half-mile section of Hamilton Road. It's the second phase of a project to widen Hamilton Road to four lanes, with two additional lanes in each direction.

Those who travel the busy corridor of Hamilton Road near Gahanna and find themselves bogged down in traffic will have relief by 2019.

The Columbus City Council approved a $7.8 million project on Monday night that will widen about a half-mile section of Hamilton Road. It's the second phase of a project to widen Hamilton Road to four lanes, with two additional lanes in each direction.

Combined with the first phase, the project will widen Hamilton Road from East-Dublin Granville Road to Morse Road. That stretch of road, about 2 miles long, is one of the most congested in the city, traffic engineers said.

The total project will cost more than $20 million, according to city documents.

�It will provide much-needed traffic relief,� said Councilman Shannon Hardin. �Construction really can�t begin soon enough.�

Shelly and Sands Construction, of Columbus, was awarded the $7.8 million contract Monday night. That will widen a roughly half-mile stretch from East Dublin-Granville Road to Preserve Boulevard near the Discount Drug Mart.

Shelly and Sands was the lowest bidder of six companies that submitted proposals to the city.

Franklin County commissioners approved another $12.1 million contract a year ago to widen Hamilton Road between Rt. 62 and Clark State Road. That project is currently under construction.

When completed, Hamilton Road will be widened to four lanes, with two through lanes in each direction.

The road also will feature a raised median; shared use path on each side; trees; more lighting; and storm sewer and waterlines.

The city hopes to have the road finished by late 2018 or early 2019, said Jennifer Gallagher, director of the city�s public service department.

The City Council also honored Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs on Monday for being selected as the YWCA's Women of Achievement award winner.

Jacobs is one of five women to be honored Wednesday by the YWCA for making a difference in her family, workplace and community.

Jacobs was in attendance to receive the kudos from council and said she is supported by the other police officers that serve.

"All of us serve with passion and pride," she said.

lsullivan@dispatch.com

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