Delaware County commissioners have approved real estate contracts for the purchase of land for rights of way for the widening of Old State Road.

County Engineer Chris Bauserman presented contracts of sale to commissioners for their approval on Monday. “The project will start in a big way next year,” he said.

The contracts are for the purchase of two separate parcels of land along Old State Road for $135,000.

According to the Delaware County Engineer’s Office website, traffic has become a safety concern, particularly between Polaris and Orange Road. The project was announced in November 2011. The county will be working with the city of Columbus and the Ohio Department of Transportation on the project.

Commissioners approved the purchase of the land.

In other business, commissioners approved:

• Accepting roads, approving speed limits and establishing the stopping conditions for Scioto Reserve.

Developers have met the requirements and Bauserman recommended to commissioners that the roads to be accepted as public roads. “This a standard development process where the developer has built the streets according to the plans and specifications,” Bauserman said.

• A maintenance agreement for a new traffic signal and street lighting system on Wilson Road.

Developers installed a traffic light and street lighting at the entrance of the new Tanger Outlets mall. Bauserman said the agreement spells out the responsibilities of the county for the maintenance and modification of the lights.

• Travel expenses of $339 for Emergency Medical Services personnel to attend advanced training courses.