The Ohio Department of Transportation is inviting local residents, business owners, and regional commuters to review and comment on a series of planned infrastructure improvements across Stark County. The upcoming capital undertaking focuses on the replacement and modernization of critical drainage structures and culverts, which form the backbone of the area’s stormwater management and roadway safety network.
State transportation planners have scheduled the physical construction operations to take place during the summer of 2027. By addressing aging drainage infrastructure, the department aims to maintain road safety, prevent water damage along key travel corridors, and ensure long-term structural integrity throughout multiple township thoroughfares in the region.
According to engineering estimates released by the state, the combined construction cost for the multi-location project stands at approximately $754,200. The funding will cover all structural replacements, site preparation, and associated road restoration required to modernize these vital drainage conduits across the designated project zones.
Environmental assessments conducted as part of the project development process indicate that the proposed work will not lead to significant negative impacts on local ecological resources. Nevertheless, agency officials are actively seeking input from community members to gauge local sentiment, especially regarding temporary traffic shifts and any daily disruptions residents might experience while work is underway.
The maintenance program targets three key locations in Stark County, with the first major work zone situated in Marlboro Township along State Route 619, also known locally as Edison Street, just east of State Route 44. This section serves as a vital connecting route for local motorists and freight traffic traveling across the northern part of the county.
To facilitate the culvert replacements along State Route 619, contractors will implement two separate temporary road closures. One phase will require a 14-day closure on the stretch between Osborne Avenue and Marlboro Avenue NE, while a second 14-day closure will be established along the segment between Reeder Avenue and Lair Road.
During the closure periods on State Route 619, through traffic will be redirected onto a designated regional detour. Motorists traveling through the area will be instructed to follow a detour route utilizing State Route 44, State Street (State Route 173), State Route 225, and State Route 183 to navigate around the active work zones.
A second component of the infrastructure project is located along State Street (State Route 173), positioned precisely at the municipal border between Marlboro and Nimishillen townships, just east of State Route 44. This drainage replacement is intended to eliminate roadway flooding risks along the township dividing line.
The work on State Street will necessitate a 14-day full road closure between State Route 44 and Paris Avenue. ODOT has established an official detour plan for this segment, directing affected through traffic to bypass the construction area using State Route 44 and U.S. Route 62.
The third targeted location is situated in Perry Township, near the northeast quadrant of the busy junction between State Route 627 (Richville Drive) and Navarre Road SW. This segment experiences steady commercial and residential vehicle volume, requiring specialized traffic maintenance measures.
Unlike the full closures planned for the other two locations, construction along State Route 627 will involve seven days of lane restrictions rather than a complete shutdown. However, the work will require the temporary closure of Township Road 2148, while through traffic on State Route 627 will remain flowing and local property access will be preserved.
Department officials emphasized that access to all private properties, residences, businesses, and intersecting side streets will be strictly maintained across every project site throughout the entirety of the construction timeline. Contractors will be tasked with staging equipment and materials in ways that minimize hindrances to neighborhood mobility.
Transportation planners do not anticipate substantial, county-wide traffic disruptions resulting from the project, noting that the staggered work windows and clearly marked detours are designed to keep regional vehicular movement as smooth as possible during the summer construction period.
Public engagement remains an essential component of the final planning phase, and ODOT is encouraging community members to submit their feedback regarding potential neighborhood effects, safety considerations, and detour routing. Comments are officially being accepted through September 23 to help refine the implementation plans.
Community members wishing to share their perspectives can direct their submissions to Brian Peck, Environmental Specialist at ODOT District 4, located at 2088 South Arlington Road, Akron, OH 44306. Feedback may also be submitted by calling 330-786-4931, emailing Brian.Peck@dot.ohio.gov, or visiting the dedicated project portal on the state's transportation website at Transportation.ohio.gov/travel/projects/114219.
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