LAKE TWP. − Stark County will proceed with construction of a roundabout at State Street NW and Cleveland Avenue NW in the Greentown area.
Residents had expressed concern about the proposed intersection project.
The choice of a single-lane roundabout at the area known as “Greentown Square” offers the largest reduction in traffic congestion and a significant safety improvement compared to 20 alternatives analyzed in a feasibility study, according to the Stark County Engineer’s Office. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 and be complete by fall 2029.
“The roundabout project will be designed to improve safety and reduce congestion while limiting impacts to the surrounding area and properties,” the office said in a news release.
The planned roundabout also includes the addition of northbound and southbound right turn bypass lanes. Construction will include new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and crosswalks.
The county will need to acquire permanent and temporary right of way. Two commercial properties will be impacted, according to plans.
The former art gallery in the southeast quadrant of the intersection will need to be acquired by the county for project plans. The East of Chicago Building in the northwest quadrant will be partially impacted or may need to be acquired.
Historic buildings nearby are not expected to be impacted.
A real estate representative will contact property owners if right-of-way acquisition is needed, the engineer’s office said.
The intersection project is estimated to cost $4,950,000 paid for by Federal Highway Administration and local funds.
There is currently a traffic signal at the site. There were 27 crashes there from 2022 to 2024, according to the Stark County Area Transportation Study’s most recent report on dangerous intersections. An average of 17,850 vehicles travel there daily.
Some worried about impacts to historic ‘Greentown Square’
Lake Township Trustee Jeremy Yoder said the intersection gets busy during rush hours. He’s hopeful the roundabout will help.
“Trying to go east on State Street around 5 p.m. or the other direction going west in the morning, you’ve got to wait four or five light cycles sometimes to get through there,” he said. “I think it’ll be helpful for those traffic conditions.”
But some community members remain concerned the roundabout could alter the character of the historic area. A petition opposing the roundabout proposal circulated in 2024. To date, it has garnered nearly 1,000 signatures.
“I know people are very passionate about maintaining the historical part of ‘Greentown Square,'” Yoder said. “Hopefully they are able to do that as well to some capacity.”
The engineer’s office held a public open house on Aug. 14 to review plans for the intersection and get feedback from community members.
A total of 61 comments were received during the open house and public comment period, according to the engineer’s office.
“Many comments provided feedback on the project design and anticipated impacts, expressed general safety concerns for pedestrians, or suggested other improvements,” the office said in a news release. “We received comments that opposed and comments that support the proposed project.”
Construction to take place in three phases
Construction is expected to being in spring 2028 and will take place in three phases.
During the first phase the west side of the intersection on State Street NW will be closed to traffic. In Phase 2, the east side of State Street NW will close.
The entire intersection will close for 90 days during third phase. Cleveland Avenue traffic will be detoured via state Route 619, Market Avenue N and Applegrove Street NE.
Access to all homes and businesses will be maintained during construction, which is anticipated to conclude by fall 2029.
Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@usatodayco.com Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County to proceed with Greentown area roundabout project
Reporting by Grace Springer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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