COLUMBIANA Set to start in March, ODOT project targets traffic-flow improvement

Computers will control the timing of traffic signals at the intersections.
COLUMBIANA -- An Ohio Department of Transportation project designed to improve traffic flow along state Route 14 on the city's north side will begin in March.
City Manager Keith Chamberlin said the work will include widening some areas of the roadway and adding signal lights and turn lanes at the intersections of Route 14 with Main Street, state Route 46 and state Route 164.
A turn lane from the westbound lane of state Route 14 north onto the northbound lane of Route 46 will be eliminated, Chamberlin said.
A computerized master controller will control the timing of the traffic lights at all three intersections, he said. The master controller will receive information either by detector cables or by cameras.
Also planned
The work also will include installing curbs and gutters and repaving about 3,800 feet of road, Chamberlin said.
ODOT is administering the total project and awarded contracts in July to The Shelly Co. of Twinsburg.
The total project cost is $775,727. The city is contributing $166,780, Chamberlin said.
ODOT's portion will be $138,947. The city also received a $470,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration, he said.
Chamberlin said the contractor is to maintain traffic while the improvements are being made. The project is to be completed by July 1, 2004.