by Kristin Casale
Associate Editor
Stow -- A $5 million construction project in the Steels Corners Road area will ultimately ease access onto Route 8, say city officials. In the meantime, concerns over the impact of the construction will be addressed, they say.
"I appreciate everybody coming -- don't get upset, just make a call," Stow Assistant Engineer Jim McCleary joked to the 16 people at May 5 meeting at City Hall.
"A lot of people want to know what's going on," Stow Mayor Karen Fritschel said. "This will be great when it's finished. We're trying to make it as smooth as possible."
McCleary said the $5 million project is expected to continue into November, and traffic will be maintained throughout the construction schedule. As part of the project, the Steels Corners Road bridge will be widened to add a second left-turn lane to provide access to the southbound on-ramp for Route 8. The southbound on-ramp will be widened from one lane to two lanes, and a third turn lane will be added to the northbound off-ramp for Route 8.
Additionally, McCleary said, one lane will be added to Steels Corners Road between the street's intersections with Bridgewater Parkway and Hudson Drive. The lane will be added to the side of the road heading east. Hudson Drive will be widened by one lane each in both directions in the area between Steels Corners Road and the section just past Stow Fire Station No. 2.
Quizno's Subs owner Becky Petsche said she wants to ensure motorists are aware the businesses in the Steels Pointe plaza, where Quizno's is located, will remain open during the work.
"We need something down there by the street," she said, noting past construction projects have decreased her business.
City officials noted signs will be installed to remind motorists the Steels Pointe plaza remains accessible. Property owners who will be directly impacted by the work also will be notified about when construction will be performed on or near their sites.
Valv-Trol business owner Ken Ingram said his business on Commerce Drive will not be directly affected by the work, noting "just our commute" will be impacted.
"I'm letting our guys know what's going on," he said.
Laura Higgins, senior accountant for Amweld Building Products on Allen Road, said her company will plan accordingly for the construction.
"I think it's a great idea to widen the exit ramp [on Route 8]," she said. "I think it's going to be difficult while it's going on, but once it's done, it'll be worth it."
McCleary urged those in attendance to talk to the city about any concerns or requests they have related to the work.
"We'll find a way to help you out," he said.
For more information, call 330-689-2719.
E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3917