WESTERVILLE — A couple of stop signs in Genoa Township will be removed next week.

The stop signs will be replaced with rapid flashing beacons.

“Ohio law requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk and pedestrians establish their intent to cross by activating the light, if available, or by standing near the curb,” said Genoa Police Lt. James McMillin, in the township’s May Newsletter.

If you are driving, you are supposed to stop if the yellow lights are flashing and let the pedestrians cross the road. Failure to yield could cause the motorist to be cited. That doesn’t mean those wishing to cross the street should hit the button so that a vehicle has to stop abruptly.

“Pedestrians share responsibility in allowing vehicles time to stop safely,” McMillin said. For reference, see Ohio Revised Code 4511.46.

Speaking of laws, a state law on distracted driving went into effect last month. Drivers can now be cited for using a cell phone while driving.

“Our paramedics see how serious the consequences of distracted driving can be,” Genoa Fire Chief Joseph Ponzi said, also in the newsletter. “Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle accidents.”

Another potential road hazard is residential construction and landscaping projects.

“Contractors commonly deliver pallets of stone or piles of mulch to residents in the roadway instead of the customer’s driveway,” said Genoa Maintenance Director Bob Mathews. “Especially in the dark, it is not difficult to imagine a driver crashing into these materials.”

The township policy is that if the contractor doesn’t immediately move their delivery out of the way, the Maintenance Department will remove the hazard for them. An exception can be made when a “Request for Work in the Right-of-Way” form is submitted.

The Maintenance Department has started its annual road resurfacing. The township said the process involves grinding the existing surface down, replacing it with a base layer of asphalt and then applying a final coating.

“It is not uncommon for this work to span the entire length of the summer,” the township said. “The tentative list of roads to be resurfaced includes Early Meadow Drive; Heritage Place; Interlachen Avenue; Lake Trail Drive, Maxtown Road; Oak Ridge Place; Seafield Court; Somerset Avenue; Temperance Point Place and Street; Totten Springs Drive; Winesap Place; Wingstem Street.”

For more information, visit www.genoatwp.com.

Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at [email protected].