Press Release
New Funding Announced for South Main Street Improvements
Project planned to connect Portage Lakes Dr. to N. Turkeyfoot Rd.
Apr 9, 2024 - Coventry Township, OH
Summit County Engineer Alan Brubaker, P.E., P.S. is pleased to report the award of $5.9 Million in Federal Highway funding for the enhancement of South Main Street in Coventry Township.
Following persistent efforts through multiple grant cycles with the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS), The Summit County Engineer’s Office has successfully secured funding crucial for bridging the gap along South Main Street, connecting Portage Lakes Drive to North Turkeyfoot Road, a section referred to as “the missing link” for the last 15 years.
The project, currently planned for construction in 2030, will replace the old brick road bases and pavement, alongside the installation of new curbing and reconstruction of drainage facilities and the existing traffic signal. Additionally, plans include the replacement of the bridge near the intersection of Vaughn Road, all aimed at significantly bolstering safety measures in the area.
Most importantly, the project includes the construction of a new sidewalk along the east side of S. Main from end the of the existing walk at Portage Lakes Drive to the densely populated subdivision that is serviced via Mallard Point Drive. The sidewalk will transition from the east side to the west side at the signalized intersection of Warner Road and South Main Street. There, new pedestrian signal indications with push button controls will be installed. The sidewalk will then continue along the west side past Mallard Point Drive and continue to Vaughn Road.
Furthermore, the reconstruction of the traffic signal at Warner Road will incorporate pedestrian signal heads and pushbuttons, establishing connectivity between the recreation area at the southern end of Main Street and the Vaughn Road link to the ball fields.
It’s important to note that several years ago, the Summit County Engineer Office reduced this section of highway down from 4 lanes to 3 lanes to increase pedestrian safety as much as possible. Those lane reductions will remain as pedestrian safety is the cornerstone of this project. With the grant funding secured, the office is very happy to finally be able to complete the reconstruction of South Main Street.
