Republic file photo An artist rendering shows plans for the 1821 Trail extension.
A major bicentennial project is facing delays due to material availability.
The city is experiencing backorders on materials for the 1821 Trail, said Redevelopment Director Heather Pope.
“Utility work to install the new water and sewer lines should be taking place, we’re hoping, in the month of March,” she said at the redevelopment commission’s March 21 meeting. “Again, this was anticipated originally to start mid-February. And we’re mid-March, and we’re still experiencing some materials delay. So we’re hopeful that those will be in soon, and once that happens, then we’ll start seeing a lot more construction activity along First Street.”
Some materials are moving faster than others, officials said. Pope said that 27,000 bricks will be delivered sometime next week.
“We’re stuck at a little bit over 200 bricks being sold,” she said. “And we’ve been that way for a while now. So hopefully, once people start seeing activity and construction taking place, then they’ll say, ‘Oh, I want to be a part of that. … We don’t need to sell all 27,000, because that allows for a little bit extra. But it would be nice to sell at least 1,000.” Engraved bricks cost $100 each.
As of January, Pope estimated the total project cost at a little more than $1.94 million. Funding sources include Columbus Redevelopment, the Parks Foundation, donors such as Duke Energy and Kenny Glass, and the brick campaign. Columbus City Utilities will cover the cost of utility repair on the project, possibly through American Rescue Plan funds.
The city engaged Dave O’Mara Contractors for trail construction and water main replacement in December. According to city officials, the company’s approximately $1.7 million bid also included components such as historical markers.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in late December of 2021 at First and Jackson Street shortly after the Columbus Board of Works approved the bid award.
