Road project is expected to begin in summer

LISBON -- A nearly $1 million road improvement project is expected to begin this summer for a busy thoroughfare in St. Clair Township.
Columbiana County commissioners agreed Wednesday to authorize county Engineer Bert Dawson to seek bids for the job.
Construction could begin in about six weeks on a section of Irish Ridge Road between state Route 11 and Somerset Drive, Dawson explained.
Workers will widen the street from about 18 feet to 24 feet to help accommodate the heavy traffic on the road, which is near the Calcutta commercial district.
Other improvements will include leveling the road, removing ditches and installing curbs and gutters.
Construction is expected to last through summer and fall. Traffic will be detoured during parts of the project.
Nearly 80 percent of the undertaking will be paid for with federal dollars. About $100,000 in state funds will be used, plus nearly $50,000 each from the township and the county, Dawson said.