Local officials, business owners happy that 224 bridge is open

October 15, 2014 at 12:03a.m.

BOARDMAN

With work on the U.S. Route 224 bridge over Interstate 680 drawing to a close, Poland and Boardman officials, as well as businesses, say they couldn’t be happier that the project is almost complete.

“We can already tell a difference,” said Kelly Wolford, manager at Inner Circle Pizza, 1816 Boardman-Poland Road. “I’m starting to see people we have not seen for a while. They’re all saying, ‘Thank goodness the traffic is open.’”

All of the bridge lanes reopened at the end of September. Restrictions to exit and entrance ramps also were removed.

The $5.4 million Ohio Department of Transportation project, which included widening the bridge and changes to the interchanges, began in July 2013.

The bridge widening includes a new lane in each direction. And, there is now a traffic light and dual right-turn lane where 680 southbound exits to 224 westbound.

“We’re thrilled that it’s now approaching the finish line,” said township Trustee Tom Costello. “Traveling during the holiday season should hopefully be a great deal easier on that end of 224.”

“It was a bad year, but now that it’s all back open again it surely can’t hurt anything,” said Poland Village Mayor Tim Sicafuse. “I’m glad it’s done. I think it’s a better solution than what it was.”

Boardman Police Chief Jack Nichols said the construction did create some problems, especially the issue of motorists’ illegally driving into an intersection while the light was green, and then getting stuck there during a red light because of backed-up traffic.

Temporary lane closures on 224 between Tiffany Boulevard and 680 for electrical and paving work will continue until the end of October, according to ODOT.