Council awards East of Africa road and utility contract, contingent on bond closing

Westerville City Council voted Feb. 18 to award the construction contract for the East of Africa roadway and utility improvements to Complete General Construction, subject to the city manager’s confirmation that capital facility bond financing closes successfully.

City staff described the East of Africa project as a major infrastructure undertaking that will build approximately 6,800 feet of new roadway with sidewalks and shared‑use paths, a new roundabout at Hoff Road, three new traffic signals, about 6,000 feet of sanitary sewer, 7,500 feet of water main, 8,500 feet of storm sewer, three detention basins, and more than 11,000 feet of new fiber and electric duct bank. City staff said the work would start in March 2025 with most earthwork and utility work completed in 2025 and road and landscaping items finished in 2026. A groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled for March 12.

Staff recommended awarding alternates E2, S2 and P to Complete General and noted the firm previously completed Cleveland Avenue and Schrock Road corridor projects and the Uptown streetscape project. The motion to award the contract was moved and seconded; a roll call vote recorded unanimous approval: Mr. Glasgow — Yes; Mr. Grimes — Yes; Mr. Washburn — Yes; Vice Chair Reemschneider — Yes; Dr. Coombs — Yes; Mayor Wright — Yes; Chairman Hayek — Yes.

Council members asked technical questions about utilities and tree plantings; staff said portions of the city’s electric facilities along the corridor will be placed underground as part of the construction and that the city would provide a future tree list. The award is conditioned on financing: the contract award is subject to the city manager’s determination that capital-facility bonds close successfully to fund the work.

The project packet and staff presentation included schedules and renderings; staff said the city has previously completed large projects with the recommended contractor and that the funding source would be capital bonds if the financing closes.

Council authorized staff to proceed with the contract award contingent on bond closing and directed staff to provide further project details to council as construction proceeds.