ROUTE 422 Traffic solution debated

Any of the alternatives is likely years from reality.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- Each of six alternatives for the Trumbull-U.S. Route 422 corridor aims to address safety concerns and traffic congestion in the area.
The six concepts were presented Thursday at a public meeting at Howland Middle School.
Burgess & amp; Niple of Akron is the engineering firm working on the study on the area around state Routes 82 and 46.
Officials from the township, Warren, Niles, Trumbull County engineer's office, Ohio Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration have been meeting for several months along with members of the public to work on traffic and safety problems.
Particular concern
Michael McCarthy, consultant project manager with the Akron firm, said problems on Market Street and at the Route 46-82 intersection and the safety problems on Howland-Wilson Road were a particular concern.
The alternatives are aimed at addressing problems for the year 2025, McCarthy said.
Charles and Jean Marshall, who have lived on Bruce Drive for 49 years, came to the meeting to find out what was planned to address the traffic congestion.
"If I have to go to Giant Eagle or the post office, I have to go in the morning or in the early afternoon," Jean Marshall said. "I don't go after 3 p.m. at all."
David Lemasters of Cardiff Lane was particularly interested in a part of one of the alternatives that extends Kenyon Drive across Route 46, connects it to Howland Springs Road and adds a light at the Route 46 intersection.
"Now, it's pretty hard to get out, especially if you're going left to go to the [Eastwood] mall," he said.
Panel recommendation
The stakeholder advisory committee, which includes representatives from the public and political entities, will recommend an alternative after evaluating the input, costs and other factors.
Written comments also may be sent to Burgess and Niple Inc., 50 S. Main St. No. 600, Akron 44308; by fax to (330) 376-5741 or by e-mail mmccarthy@burnip.com.
How soon the project becomes reality depends on the availability of funding. McCarthy estimated it could take 15 to 20 years.
Although exact costs haven't been determined, McCarthy said that $75 million is the "planning level estimate" to replace all the current pavement. The concepts displayed involve an additional cost.