ODOT hears residents’ concerns about Route 224/I-680 project

By Jon Moffett

The work is scheduled to begin in 2013 and will cost about $5.2 million.

BOARDMAN — Pat Floryjanski has traveled U.S. Route 224 for 15 years.

The 72-year-old Struthers resident has seen a lot of bad drivers merge onto the road from the Interstate 680 interchange.

“At that exit there, at 680, I’d say eight out of 10 cars do not yield,” she said. “It’s treacherous.”

Floryjanski and other concerned citizens attended an open house with the Ohio Department of Transportation for a proposed project involving the interchange. ODOT staff were on hand to answer questions and gather feedback.

“This is our way to involve the public,” said spokeswoman Paula Putnam, with ODOT District 4. “We see there are problems, and we’re here to tell you what the problems are and we have some alternative design ideas; nothing is in stone yet. But we have some ideas to present to the public to look at and see how we can change it to make it better.”

Putnam said ODOT began studying the intersection in 2002. Plans include changes to the southbound interchange from I-680 and altering portions of 224. The I-680 interchange will be moved 350 feet east and will create a “T intersection” with a new traffic light, Putnam said.

The bridge over I-680 also will be widened about 12 feet on the northbound side. By widening the shoulder on the northbound lane, drivers’ visibility of the ramp will be clearer, Putnam said.

There will also be a free-flowing right turning lane added to Route 224, which will merge onto I-680 North.

Opinions on the proposals varied, but many people said a change is needed for safety reasons.

“I think it’s needed badly,” said David Mosure, 49, of Boardman. “And I think the plan they have is going to solve the majority of the problem. I just wish they would do it sooner.”

The work is scheduled to begin in 2013 and will cost about $5.2 million, Putnam said.

But some residents think that amount is a small price to pay for peace of mind on the roadways.

“There are times I go there and traffic can be backed up on the ramp and on [Route] 224, and I believe that is a safety issue,” Jeffrey Baco, 20, of Boardman, said. “Something needs to be done to relieve that.”

Not everyone was completely thrilled about the change. While ODOT has acknowledged the problem with the interchange, some think the organization is ignoring other aspects of the area.

“Overall, it looks to me like it’s going to be an improvement for automobile travel and automobile safety,” said Frank Krygowski, 62, of Poland.

“But I’m very disappointed that the plans make no provision at all for pedestrian access across the bridge.”

Krygowski said he has been battling ODOT for more than a decade over the spot. He hopes the state will change its mind and offer a more-accessible alternative for walkers.

“This bridge is a bottleneck; a barrier between hundreds of homes on the east side and large shopping areas and restaurants on the west side. ... Here, the plans that are shown right now, ODOT has not shown any provisions for sidewalks, and it’s a scary experience walking across that bridge.”

Putnam said the plans can be altered to suit needs and that ideas should be submitted to ODOT.

Written comments may be submitted by May 28 to Eric M. Czetli, District 4 deputy director, Attn: Jack Noble, District 4 Planning and Programs Administrator, ODOT, 2088 S. Arlington Road, Akron 44306-4243.

jmoffett@vindy.com