BOARDMAN Township, ODOT discuss Route 224

New traffic lights will soon be installed, while others are updated.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Traffic along one of the region's busiest roads was the topic when township officials met with delegates from the Ohio Department of Transportation on Monday.
ODOT addressed the newly reactivated Central Columbiana and Pennsylvania Railway. William E. Murphy, transportation planning and programs administrator, said it is unlikely the tracks will be elevated above traffic on bustling U.S. Route 224 at Southern Boulevard.
Murphy did say, however, that ODOT would like to see a signal at the intersection that changes to red automatically when a train is approaching. He said such a signal would increase safety.
Murphy, Mohamed Darwish, deputy director at ODOT's Distric 4 office in Ravenna, and Charlie Miner, Mahoning County manager, also spoke to trustees briefly about traffic lights along 224.
New lights planned: Murphy said the lights are synchronized to allow as much travel time east and west as possible, but three new lights are planned at Talsman Drive in Canfield, Pheasant Drive and the Interstate 680 northbound ramp. There will also be modifications to the light at Arby Drive.
Murphy said new software will be installed in traffic lights along the road to allow for more green light time. The changes should be complete in a matter of months. Murphy said ODOT expects no serious delays during the upgrades.
Trustee Elaine Mancini, looking for solutions for upset motorists, mentioned how busy the shopping areas around 224 and Market Street get during the holiday shopping season.
Miner said the problem is common "anywhere there is heavy shopping."
The group also discussed improving the landscape along the busy roads with things such as tree planting and litter control programs.
Jennifer Richmond, public information officer, said ODOT is exploring various partnerships with schools for litter programs.