Details of Widening Project Revealed

The matter of widening Main Street from 13th street north to Third Street came up again during this week's Council meeting as part of the discussion on Walgreen's possible new store at 13th and Main.
The Observer obtained a copy of the Nov. 5, 2003 letter from City Manager Bill Galletly to Gary Evans, District 8 Engineer of ODOT, which requested a change in priorities.
"The city would like to request a change… for the stretch of Highway 59 from 13th Street north to Highway 10 in downtown Grove" which was listed at the time as the next priority for reconstruction after Highway 59 from Leisure Lane to Sailboat Bridge.
"After considerable discussions and review, the city would like to have the bypass from Highway 59/Highway 10 north and west to the intersection of Highway 59 and Leisure Road, as our No. 1 priority," the letter continued.
"This bypass around part of the downtown, tying into the Highway 59 North project, is our most important concern for highway reconstruction within the city limits. Therefore, we request that you change the priorities list to reflect this request," the letter continued.
Galletly said Thursday he did not believe the matter was discussed at a council meeting but that extensive discussions were held with "several people and the Mayor at that time, Bob Nold" regarding the change in priorities.
ODOT held public meetings in Grove in 1996 regarding the highway widening and again in 1998. Galletly said this week that it would be at least 14 years before the project could be completed if it was put back on the schedule now.