W. RESERVE ROAD Planned project is put on hold

The road project will be delayed until 2009.
CANFIELD -- Motorists using Western Reserve Road are in for a reprieve.
Plans to close a portion of the road in 2005 for more work have been postponed.
Marilyn Kenner, Mahoning County chief deputy engineer, said Tuesday that work on phases 3 and 4 of the Western Reserve Road widening project will be delayed, probably until 2009.
Kenner said the decision to delay the projects comes as work winds down on $3.26 million in upgrades to a 2-mile stretch of Western Reserve Road between Tippecanoe and Hitchcock roads. The project, which began in September 2003, closed the road, causing headaches for motorists who regularly use it.
Kenner said the delay will be among the items to be discussed during an open house public involvement meeting on phases 3 and 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. today.
The meeting is in McMahon Hall at Mill Creek MetroParks Experimental and Education Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road.
What all is involved
Phase 3 work will be from state Route 46 to Tippecanoe Road and cost about $2.8 million.
Phase 4, with a $3 million price, will be from U.S. Route 62 to Route 46.
The projects involve widening the two-lane road from about 20 feet to 24 feet with 4-foot paved shoulders.
Phase 4 also would add left turn lanes to Western Reserve Road at Route 46. Other proposed improvements for both projects include replacing deficient bridges and culverts, improving the road drainage system and correcting vertical sight distances.
Time for comments
During the public meeting, area residents, business owners and public officials can make comments on the projects. Plans and maps showing the planned improvements and environmental documentation will be displayed. There will be no formal presentation.
Representatives of the county engineer's office, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Thomas Fok & amp; Associations, Ltd., project consultant, will be available to discuss the projects and answer questions.
Comments may be submitted at the meeting or mailed to the attention of Marilyn Kenner by Dec. 10 to 940 Bears Den Road, Youngstown OH 44511.