Mahoning officials agree road improvements critical to Valley's success

YOUNGSTOWN

Local government and economic-development leaders want to make sure pothole-pocked roads don’t become an obstacle course that impedes the Mahoning Valley’s livelihood.

Mahoning County and Jackson Township officials say road improvements in that strategically located township are essential to promote economic development near a network of major interstate highway interchanges in and near the township.

There, Lipkey Road is slated for reconstruction this year, and the county engineer’s office is hoping to repave Bailey Road next year.

The road problem, however, isn’t limited to Jackson Township.

Local officials hope a $10 million to $12 million, three-phase reconstruction of pothole-riddled Meridian Road, which forms the boundary between Youngstown and Austintown and has an interchange with Interstate 680, can start next year, using federal, state and local funds.

Read more about plans for this this critical infrastructure in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.