ODOT cautions motorists to remain vigilant during Labor Day weekend

YOUNGSTOWN — There are two sides to the Labor Day weekend, the Ohio Department of Transportation says.

On one side, road projects begin to slow down. There will be less orange barrels out there, the department said.

On the other side, end-of-summer celebrations prompt an increase in drunken-driving-related deaths, the department said.

Five people died last year in 185 alcohol-related crashes over last year’s Labor Day weekend, the department said.

And though ODOT is wrapping up smaller projects, larger ones could impact holiday travel. Traffic congestion could make those construction sites dangerous, the department said in a press release.

At Interstate 680 and U.S. Route 224, in Boardman, the following closure and restriction is currently in place: The ramp from I-680 northbound to Route 224 is closed through mid-October. The detour is Western Reserve Road to South Avenue.

Route 224 between I-680 and Tiffany Boulevard is reduced to one lane in each direction for road widening and interchange modifications. Motorists should expect delays in this area.