Work started on ODOT's Route 14 project

COLUMBIANA -- Contractors have begun preliminary work on an Ohio Department of Transportation project designed to improve safety and traffic flow along state Route 14 on the city's north side.
City Manager Keith Chamberlin said the work will include widening some areas and adding signal lights and turn lanes at the intersections with Main Street, state Route 46 and state Route 164.
A computerized master controller will control the timing of the traffic lights, he said. The master controller will receive information either by detector cables or by cameras.
The work also will include eliminating a turn lane from the westbound lane of state Route 14 north onto the northbound lane of Route 46; installing new curbs; and repaving about 3,800 feet of pavement, Chamberlin said.
ODOT officials have said the road work affecting traffic will begin in March. Traffic will be maintained throughout the construction.
, but motorists should expect daytime lane restrictions and watch for flaggers.
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 added.
ODOT is administering the project and awarded contracts in July 2003 to the Shelly Co. of Twinsburg. The project is to be completed by June 30.