TOLEDO, Ohio – A major construction project in Toledo’s Old South End neighborhood has been an ongoing source of both frustration and optimism for residents and business owners alike. For nearly a year, Broadway Street has been a construction zone, with traffic barrels, torn-up roads, and detours becoming a familiar sight for those living and working in the area.
The project, which was initially slated to take several months, has been significantly delayed after a water line break last year. What was once expected to be a quick road improvement is now stretching into its second year, with completion now projected for July.
“It’s very taxing,” said Mary Pilcher, a longtime Old South End resident. “Sometimes you don’t know when you come down the street whether it’s complete or if you need to take a detour.” Pilcher, who has lived in the neighborhood for over 60 years, acknowledged the inconvenience but expressed hope that the end result will be worth the wait. “This is one of the larger changes that they’ve made, so it’s good to see,” she added, focusing on the positive aspects of the project.
Despite the optimism from some, not everyone shares the same view. Hector Garcia, a property manager at El Rincon, a local restaurant located directly on Broadway, expressed concerns about the prolonged construction timeline. “Every business here is running late paying the bills,” Garcia said, noting that business has slowed to a halt during the ongoing work. He voiced skepticism about the July deadline, citing past delays. “They always move the time. It was supposed to be done in May, then June, now July.”
City leaders have acknowledged the setbacks, attributing the delays to inclement weather and the unforeseen water line break. Construction project leaders have also indicated that to expedite the work, crews will begin working on Saturdays. The focus of the construction has shifted to placing curbs and installing electrical routes. Starting May 19, crews will install sidewalks, medians, and begin paving the road, followed by the addition of new signs, trees, and pedestrian signals.
Christy Soncrant, the Toledo Commissioner of Engineering and Construction Management, noted that the Broadway project has provided valuable lessons for the city. She emphasized the importance of community involvement, pointing out that regular construction meetings have become a standard practice to keep residents informed and address their concerns. “We’re trying to do more monthly construction meetings so that we can get out to the public ahead of time and let them know what’s coming up,” Soncrant said. “It’s helpful to listen to the community members as well, so we can see the project from their perspective.”
These meetings have provided an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about issues that may not be immediately obvious to construction crews, such as how roadwork might impact fall leaf pickups. Soncrant stressed the significance of these small details, as they can have a big effect on residents’ day-to-day lives.
In addition to city-led meetings, residents of the Old South End are organizing their own community meeting to discuss the construction and other local issues. Scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Sofia Quintero Event Center, the meeting aims to give residents a platform to express their concerns and stay informed on the project’s progress.
As the construction project nears its final stages, residents and business owners alike are hopeful that the disruptions will soon give way to a revitalized Broadway Street that will benefit the neighborhood for years to come. While the road to completion has been longer than expected, the community remains engaged, determined to make the best of the situation.
City leaders and residents alike are keeping their fingers crossed that July will mark the end of the construction zone – and the beginning of a more improved and accessible Broadway Street.