State transportation officials in Ohio are inviting community members and motorists to weigh in on a planned infrastructure initiative designed to overhaul and replace aging drainage structures across several key corridors in Stark County. The Ohio Department of Transportation has opened a formal public feedback period to gather local insights and assessments regarding the proposed culvert maintenance project, which is aimed at bolstering roadway safety and preserving long-term transportation infrastructure.
According to preliminary estimates provided by the department, the comprehensive construction undertaking carries an anticipated price tag of approximately $754,200. Under the current timeline, all field operations and physical construction activities are slated to commence and reach completion during the summer season of 2027. The project encompasses work across multiple municipalities and townships, directly affecting several state routes that serve daily regional traffic.
Transportation planners emphasize that the primary objective of replacing these drainage assets is to ensure continued structural integrity on state routes and prevent water accumulation that can deteriorate roadbeds over time. By undertaking routine maintenance and proactive structure replacements, highway authorities seek to mitigate hazardous driving conditions while modernizing regional drainage capabilities.
Among the key sites included in the 2027 schedule is State Route 619, also known locally as Edison Street, situated in Marlboro Township just east of State Route 44. The department’s engineering plan divides the required work along this section into two distinct operational segments, each necessitating temporary changes to standard traffic patterns.
Specifically, the work on State Route 619 will require two separate 14-day full road closures to accommodate heavy equipment and excavation crews. The first closure will encompass the section stretching between Osborne Avenue and Marlboro Avenue NE, while the second 14-day closure will temporarily block the roadway between Reeder Avenue and Lair Road.
To manage vehicular flow while State Route 619 remains closed, transportation planners have established a formal regional detour route. Through-traffic traveling on the route will be directed to bypass the construction zones by navigating a sequence of connecting state roads, incorporating State Route 44, State Street (State Route 173), State Route 225, and State Route 183.
A second major work zone is scheduled for State Street, designated as State Route 173, right along the township line separating Marlboro and Nimishillen townships, positioned to the east of State Route 44. Similar to the Edison Street closures, this location will experience a 14-day complete shutdown of the thoroughfare between State Route 44 and Paris Avenue.
During the temporary shutdown of State Route 173, the state transportation authority has organized an alternative routing plan to guide travelers around the construction site. Motorists traveling through the corridor will be directed to utilize a designated detour network relying primarily on State Route 44 and Route 62.
In addition to the closures planned in Marlboro and Nimishillen townships, ODOT has outlined roadwork in Perry Township. This phase will target State Route 627, known as Richville Drive, specifically situated within the northeast quadrant where State Route 627 intersects with Navarre Road SW.
Unlike the full roadway shutdowns designated for the other project zones, the construction in Perry Township is scheduled to implement lane restrictions across a seven-day window. While Township Road 2148 will be closed during these operations, through-traffic along State Route 627 will remain open, and local access for area drivers will be maintained throughout the duration of the work.
Department officials have emphasized that access to all private properties and intersecting side streets situated near the work zones will remain fully accessible while construction is underway. Overall, transportation planners do not anticipate substantial or prolonged regional disruptions to everyday traffic patterns as a consequence of the staggered scheduling.
Environmental reviews conducted as part of the project’s preparatory phase have similarly determined that the proposed culvert replacements will not create significant negative impacts on local environmental resources or natural habitats surrounding the targeted roadways. Nonetheless, transportation planners are actively seeking input from area property owners, commuters, and emergency service providers to identify any potential localized challenges.
Public participation is viewed by officials as a critical component in finalizing construction logistics, minimizing inconvenience for local households, and refining traffic management strategies before ground is broken in 2027. Feedback regarding commute adjustments, property access, and neighborhood considerations will be reviewed by the agency’s planning division.
Members of the public wishing to submit formal comments regarding the Stark County drainage improvements must deliver their input by September 23. Submissions should be directed to Brian Peck, an environmental specialist with Ohio Department of Transportation District 4, based at the regional headquarters located at 2088 S. Arlington Road in Akron, Ohio 44306.
Residents can also transmit their remarks directly to state officials by telephone at 330-786-4931, submit comments electronically via email to Brian.Peck@dot.ohio.gov, or access detailed project documentation through the agency’s dedicated portal at Transportation.ohio.gov/travel/projects/114219.
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