Transportation group provides funding for 8 traffic projects

By Denise Dick

Several communities plan to install sidewalks.

YOUNGSTOWN — Eastgate Regional Council of Governments has provided funding for several pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic projects in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

At a meeting of Eastgate’s general policy board Monday, members approved funding for sidewalks in Lowellville, Poland, Cortland, Lordstown and Liberty, scenic improvements for the Spring Commons Bridge project, and lighting improvements in Warren and New Middletown.

The transportation enhancement projects were added to Eastgate’s transportation improvement program. The funds come from Eastgate’s federal allocation, which is administered through the Ohio Department of Transportation. About $1.1 million was available, less than was sought.

“We had $3 million in requests and 16 projects,” said John Getchey, Eastgate executive director. “We selected eight projects for $1.5 million [including local shares].”

The Lowellville project calls for installation of sidewalks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in various locations in the village.

The total cost is $110,000 with federal funds covering $88,000 and the village paying the remainder.

The $231,990 construction cost for the Spring Commons Bridge, $171,672 from Eastgate, covers scenic improvements including lighting and decorative railing.

New Middletown’s $98,981 project is for lighting upgrades from Sycamore Drive to north of Struthers Road. Transportation funds will pay for $79,185 of the cost.

Poland village plans to install sidewalks along U.S. Route 224 between the U.S. Post Office and Sunrise Assisted Living. The cost is $152,400, of which $121,920 will come from federal funds.

The project will benefit the whole community, said Mayor Tim Sicafuse.

“It’s going to connect the community and complement it,” he said.

Sidewalks run along sections of U.S. 224, but the project will link them together, the mayor said.

Sidewalks also will be installed in Liberty on Liberty Street, Eastlawn Avenue and Murray Hill with $164,800 of the $206,000 construction cost coming from Eastgate.

Lordstown also plans sidewalks along Salt Springs Road and state Route 45. The cost is $320,000 with $200,000 coming from federal funds.

Sidewalks are on tap for Cortland from Main Street to Sunset Boulevard with a $275,000 cost and $220,000 from Eastgate.

Warren plans to install decorative lighting in various locations along Mahoning Avenue downtown. The total cost is $1,796,000, and Eastgate’s new $140,000 in funding follows more than $1.2 million in Eastgate money already allocated for the project.

Other projects receiving funding include resurfacing for Campbell from the Struthers limits to the Youngstown city limits. The total cost is $500,000 with $400,000 from Eastgate.

The Spring Common Bridge, Youngstown, and the Niles bike trail also received additional federal dollars.

The bridge, a Mahoning County engineer project, is undergoing major rehabilitation to the tune of more than $6.2 million.

Eastgate kicked in an additional $400,000.

The Niles bike trail, to run from Weathersfield to the Robbins Avenue-State Street intersection, received an additional $1.3 million in federal funds.

Mark Hess, Niles’ coordinator of engineering, grants and development, said work is expected to start on the 4.5-mile asphalt trail early next year.