Boardman, Poland school leaders confident 224 work won’t affect student transit

Boardman, Poland school leaders confident 224 work won’t affect student transit

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Road work on US Route 224 should not affect Boardman and Poland school districts, but representatives from both districts said they will be watching for problems and are ready to change routes if necessary.

“We don’t think it will make a significant difference at this point,” said David Janofa, superintendent of Poland Schools.

The $5.4 million project on 224 is not expected to be complete until October 2014. The Ohio Department of Transportation will be widening the bridge over Interstate 680, replacing a culvert on 224 east of I-680, and making changes to the 224 and I-680 interchange.

Traffic has dropped down to one lane east and west, the northbound I-680 ramp can now only be reached by crossing eastbound traffic, and last week the ramp to reach 224 from 680 northbound was shut down.

Despite the congestion and traffic backups, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Canfield Post, which is patrolling the area with Boardman Township, has not seen an increase in accidents.

When school starts, though, a larger increase in traffic can be expected on 224 and alternative routes such as Midlothian Boulevard and Western Reserve, areas the patrol also covers.

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