ODOT set to begin 26 projects in Mahoning, Trumbull this season

NORTH LIMA

While many areas of Ohio have yet to fully experience spring, the Ohio Department of Transportation is ready to jump feet first into construction season with $2.35 billion in projects statewide.

That includes $131.9 million across 14 projects in Mahoning County and $19.1 million across 12 projects in Trumbull County.

Paramount among those is the construction of a new interchange on Interstate 680 at state Route 164 in Beaver Township.

The interchange will add an on-ramp and exit between the Western Reserve Road interchange and the Ohio Turnpike toll gate. ODOT officials said it should help alleviate congestion at Western Reserve Road.

The $11.6 million project, which got underway last month, will include a roundabout at the intersection of state Routes 164 and 626 and a park and ride lot north of the interchange on 164.

“We’re going to really improve that area and improve access into the whole southern side of the county,” ODOT spokesman Brent Kovacs said.

Read more of the plans in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.