Request Overview:  The total projected cost is $8.6 million for this widening and resurfacing project.   $2.4 million has already been secured from federal highway legislation for Phase II of this project.  The community is requesting $4.96 million from the federal budget for further development of this project.   The remaining cost would be covered from state or local sources.

Project Description:  

Widening to four lanes with a turning lane and resurfacing of Western Reserve Road from I-680 to Market Street (Phase I); then continuing from Hitchcock Road to Tippecanoe Road (Phase II). Widening to 4 lanes at Market Street then transitioning to 2 lanes at Hitchcock with a turning lane at Hitchcock and Tippecanoe Road. (Phase IA). Widening by 7’, resurfacing and turning lanes from Tippecanoe to Rt. 46 (Phase III).  Widening by 7’, resurfacing and turning lanes from Rt. 46 to Rt. 62 (Phase IV).

Project Cost:          Total projected cost: $8.6 million

Economic Impact:   Reconstruction of this road would open up thousands of acres of developable land.  It also connects the eastern part of the county to the western, making it a major thoroughfare for commerce, recreation and industry.  The current condition of the road inhibits travel and economic development along its route and limits accessibility between the two regions.

Current Status:  3/1/06

The project is identified in the Long Range Plan of both the state of Ohio (Access Ohio) and Eastgate Regional Council of Government.  It is also listed on the future’s list of Eastgate's Transportation Improvement Plan and on the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation’s futures list.  2.5 million dollars has been awarded through Congressman Strickland’s office via the 2004-2005 Transportation Highway Bill.

Congressman James A. Traficant, Jr. was able to have $2.4 million included in the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century for Phase II of the project. Funds have been secured from CEAO and Federal Highway Administration for Phase III and IV for 2009.  ODOT has programmed money for all remaining phases. No local matching funding is available to date. 

FY2007 Appropriations Bill request has been submitted through Congressman Strickland and US Senators Voinovich and DeWine for a total of $2.0 million for this project.

Contact:

Dick Marsico, Mahoning County Engineer, (330) 799-1581 or Greg Sherlock, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, (330) 744-2131 extension 15