Transportation planners in northeast Ohio are preparing a series of essential roadway upgrades aimed at modernizing aging drainage infrastructure across Stark County. The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced plans to replace multiple deteriorating culverts and drainage structures during the summer of 2027. To ensure local concerns are addressed early in the planning phase, the state agency is actively soliciting public comments from area residents, commuters, and business owners who may be affected by the upcoming roadwork.
The infrastructure maintenance initiative is designed to preserve structural integrity along state routes while improving long-term safety for the traveling public. According to official agency estimates, the total construction cost for the multi-location project is projected at approximately $754,200. The entire scope of work, ranging from excavation to final roadway restoration, is slated to commence and conclude within the summer season of 2027.
The proposed improvements will focus on three primary project corridors spanning Marlboro, Nimishillen, and Perry townships. While the operations will necessitate short-term detours and lane adjustments, state transportation officials emphasized that substantial or prolonged disruptions to the wider regional transportation network are not expected to occur during the execution of the work.
In Marlboro Township, significant activity will center on State Route 619, also known locally as Edison Street, situated just east of State Route 44. Construction crews will be tasked with replacing critical drainage components at two separate spots along this heavily traveled thoroughfare, requiring temporary full road closures to safely complete the deep excavation and installation procedures.
The first section of State Route 619 scheduled for closure is located between Osborne Avenue and Marlboro Avenue NE, where traffic will be shut down for a duration of 14 consecutive days. An additional 14-day full closure will also take place further along the same route, specifically between Reeder Avenue and Lair Road. These closures will be scheduled to accommodate the specific physical demands of installing modern drainage pipes beneath the travel lanes.
To guide through-traffic around the Marlboro Township closures on State Route 619, the transportation department has mapped out an extensive official detour. Motorists traveling through the area will be rerouted using a regional network composed of State Route 44, State Street (designated as State Route 173), State Route 225, and State Route 183. Signage will be placed well in advance to help long-distance and commercial drivers navigate around the restricted sections.
A second key construction site is positioned directly along State Street (State Route 173) at the municipal boundary between Marlboro and Nimishillen townships, located east of State Route 44. This location will likewise undergo a 14-day complete roadway closure between State Route 44 and Paris Avenue to facilitate the replacement of existing drainage infrastructure that has reached the end of its functional service life.
During the two-week closure of State Route 173, through-traffic will be directed away from the active work zone via an established detour route. The agency plans to route through-drivers along State Route 44 and Route 62, allowing normal traffic flow to continue moving efficiently across the county without congesting secondary neighborhood streets.
The third component of the 2027 maintenance package will take place in Perry Township along State Route 627, known as Richville Drive. The targeted work area is situated in the northeast quadrant of the intersection where State Route 627 meets Navarre Road SW. This segment will see localized culvert maintenance intended to manage storm runoff and prevent future roadway undermining.
Unlike the full closures planned in Marlboro and Nimishillen townships, work on State Route 627 will involve seven days of temporary lane restrictions rather than a complete shutdown of the main road. However, the project will require the temporary closure of Township Road 2148. Through-traffic along State Route 627 will be maintained throughout the seven-day period, ensuring that regional commuters experience only minor delays.
Across all three designated work areas, the state transportation department has confirmed that local access will remain open at all times. Property owners whose driveways directly border the construction limits, as well as drivers needing to access adjacent side streets, will continue to have entry and exit pathways preserved throughout the entire duration of the project operations.
Environmental assessments conducted as part of the preliminary engineering review indicate that the drainage structure replacements will not generate substantial negative impacts on surrounding natural resources, waterways, or local ecosystems. Nevertheless, the agency is seeking comprehensive public input to ensure that every aspect of the project—including neighborhood travel impacts, local business logistics, and safety measures—is carefully considered.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposed plans and submit their questions, observations, or formal comments before the designated deadline of Sept. 23. Community feedback plays a key role in helping state engineers refine construction timelines, clarify detour routing, and minimize temporary inconveniences for nearby neighborhoods prior to final project authorization.
All written communications and inquiries regarding the Stark County drainage improvements should be directed to Brian Peck, Environmental Specialist at Ohio Department of Transportation District 4. Submissions by mail may be sent to the district headquarters located at 2088 S. Arlington Road, Akron, OH, 44306.
Residents can also reach out to the project team by phone at 330-786-4931 or submit their comments electronically via email to Brian.Peck@dot.ohio.gov. Detailed information, project maps, and documentation are additionally available online through the official state transportation portal at Transportation.ohio.gov/travel/projects/114219.
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