The Franklin County Engineer's Office is seeking contractors for a $2.08 million storm sewer replacement along Kropp Road in Hilliard, the second and larger phase of drainage work on the west-side corridor.

The office announced on X on Aug. 18 that bids for the Kropp Road Drainage Outlet Improvement Part 2 are due by 10 a.m. Sept. 1 through the Bid Express portal at bidexpress.com.

The project will replace roughly 3,710 linear feet of existing storm sewer with new lines and structures along Krebs Ditch, according to the county's project page. Work stretches from Hellbranch Run just east of Norton Road to a catch basin south of Kropp Road.

Construction is scheduled to begin Nov. 2 and wrap up by May 14, 2027.

Twice the scope of Part 1

The first phase, completed Nov. 17, 2025, installed about 1,800 feet of storm sewer pipe west of Rolling Hills Subdivision, running east to Krebs Ditch. Trucco Construction handled that work at a cost of $1,038,067, according to the Franklin County Engineer's Office 2025 annual report.

Part 2 nearly doubles the footprint and budget. The new phase covers 3,710 linear feet at an estimated $2,083,285.

Flooding history on Kropp Road

The drainage upgrades follow a May 27 closure of Kropp Road between Lukens Road and Norton Road after high water made the stretch impassable. The Engineer's Office has not said whether the road will face additional closures or detours during the six-month construction window.

Contractors can find bid documents at bidexpress.com/solicitations. The county has not announced a contract award date; construction is scheduled to begin Nov. 2.