The City of Hilliard hosted “Walk-Thru Franklin Street” on Wednesday, June 17, to celebrate the re-opening of Franklin Street in Old Hilliard.
This project added curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian-scaled street lighting, on-street parallel parking with permeable brick pavers to treat stormwater, landscaping, water main replacement, and sewer linin from Main Street to the Landmark Lofts apartment building.
Franklin Street is home to a mix of residential and commercial buildings and is a crucial corridor between two major thoroughfares, Cemetery Road and Main Street. These improvements align with the City’s commitment to making Hilliard more accessible to pedestrians.
“The new Franklin Street provides the necessary infrastructure that makes Old Hilliard a walkable, safe, and vibrant community. said Hilliard Deputy City Engineer Letty Schamp. “These improvements also support the City’s commitment to environmentally friendly green infrastructure.”
Councilwoman Kelly McGivern said the project is part of a broader vision to make Old Hilliard the centerpiece of the community.
“The new Franklin Street is a significant aesthetic improvement for residents and businesses, and it makes it easier for people to enjoy downtown,” McGivern said.
The road was closed for six months but opened three months earlier than planned.
“Franklin Street would not be successful today if were not for many people working together behind the scenes with a shared dedication to improving this public space,” Schamp said.
The project cost $2.4 million and was paid for by capital improvement funds.
