Traffic snarls expected to increase next month at Route 224/I-680

BOARDMAN — Heavy traffic is choking up U.S. Route 224 and the ramps to and from Interstate 680. But come July, the situation will get much worse, a transportation official said.

Massive backups stretched back both ways today, slowing traffic along the heavily used route that connects Youngstown to Boardman, Poland, and Canfield.

This week’s changing-lane restrictions, which have already slowed traffic and created jams on both roads, are for preliminary utility work.

The major work, and major delays, however, begin next month for a closure to allow for major bridge repairs and road realignments.

“Next month’s closures are for the replacement and widening of two bridges on U.S. [Route] 224 over I-680, and later over nearby Yellow Creek, which is just to the east,” said Brent Kovacs of the Ohio Department of Transportation.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com