Heavy traffic on Route 224 a sign of things to come
Staff report
BOARDMAN
Heavy traffic is choking 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 both ways Monday, slowing traffic along the heavily used route that connects Youngstown to Boardman, Poland and Canfield.
This week’s changing-lane restrictions, which already have 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 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.
He said the project will last two years.
The upcoming work will include realignment of an I-680 southbound exit ramp to Route 224, eliminating the wide bend and creating a straight road junction with a new signalized intersection.
“The straight intersection with a traffic light is mainly to increase the flow of traffic and to increase safety,” Kovacs said.
Route 224 will never be completely closed, Kovacs added. One lane will always be kept open throughout construction.
ODOT plans to set up detours for the duration of the project, but the department has not finalized what alternative routes will be available to motorists, he said.