Study urges new traffic signal at South Avenue and McClurg Road in Boardman

By Ashley Luthern

aluthern@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

A recently completed traffic study recommends a traffic light be installed on South Avenue at McClurg Road.

Although the intersection does not have a high number of traffic accidents, the accidents that do occur are usually severe, meaning there are injuries or fatalities, said Sgt. John Allsopp, traffic-unit supervisor for Boardman police.

The Mahoning County Engineer’s Office conducted the traffic study and the estimated cost to install the light is $100,000 to $150,000. The county looks at traffic volume, crash frequency, severity of accidents and fatalities before deciding to complete a study. South Avenue and McClurg Road are maintained by the county.

The study does not set a time line for installation of a light.

Allsopp said the intersection has been an ongoing problem for the township.

When Allsopp joined Boardman police in the 1990s, he said McClurg Road was highlighted as a safety concern because of the large number of commercial tractor trailers.

Expansion then began on McClurg Road, including the Ice Zone, St. Elizabeth Health Center Boardman and the Davis Family YMCA. South Avenue was widened to five lanes, leading to even more commercial development.

Most accidents occur when a car on McClurg Road turns left onto South Avenue to travel northbound, and the most recent accident of this nature was Friday, Allsopp said.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com