ODOT Route 224 upgrades to be topic of meeting

Additional turn lanes are part of the proposed solution for congested traffic.
BOARDMAN -- The Ohio Department of Transportation will conduct a public meeting April 26 on a proposal to widen and improve a section of U.S. Route 224.
The meeting will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Boardman Center Middle School, 7410 Market St.
The purpose is to present and discuss the proposed project -- which is designed to improve traffic flow and safety -- with the general public, residents, business owners and public officials. ODOT also wants to solicit comments regarding the social, economic and environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.
The project proposes to improve Route 224 from The Shops of Boardman Park to just west of Interstate 680 by widening the road to add dedicated right turn lanes, paved shoulders, and reconstructed driveway approaches. The project also proposes to construct double left turn lanes on Route 224 at South Avenue.
The project is part of a plan to aid traffic flow and safety on Route 224 from east of Mill Creek Park to just west of I-680.
Throughout the project area, the traffic signal system will be upgraded and pedestrian access facilities that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be provided at intersections with signals, ODOT said.
Acquisition of additional rights of way will be required for the proposed widening and South Avenue intersection improvements.
One-year project
The $3.8 million project is scheduled to be awarded in October 2006 and will take about one year to complete.
The meeting will be conducted in an open house format with no formal presentation. The preliminary plans and documentation prepared for the project will be displayed. Representatives from ODOT and the design consultant, will be available to discuss the proposed project and address questions.
Comments may be submitted during the public meeting or by mailing them by May 13 to: Mohamed Darwish, District 4 deputy director; Ohio Department of Transportation; 2088 S. Arlington Road; Akron, Ohio 44306; Attention: Noel Mehlo, District 4 Environmental Specialist 2.