Madison Avenue, Lakewood

The city of Lakewood plans to resurface Madison Avenue beginning in late March as part of $6 million in improvements to the area.

(Bruce Geiselman, NEOMG)

This rendering shows how Madison Avenue will appear with one lane in each direction and a center turn lane after resurfacing this year. (Courtesy of Lakewood Planning and Development Department)

LAKEWOOD, Ohio - Madison Avenue is about to change, with travel lanes reduced from two lanes to one in each direction, with a center turn lane.

Parking lanes will remain on both sides of the street, and bike lanes will be added.

The revamp is part of a resurfacing project set to begin March 23, weather permitting.

Reducing the number of lanes will improve safety, Planning and Development Director Dru Siley has said.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Shelly Construction Co. of Cleveland will repave the entire 2.6-mile length of Madison. The work will cost $2.4 million, paid for entirely by federal, state and Cuyahoga County governments, city officials said.

The resurfacing project will take place in phases, with construction starting near Riverside Drive and progressing east to W. 117th Street. The city expects to complete the project by early fall. The road will remain open to traffic during the work.

The repaving is part of a larger approximately $6 million effort called Madison on the Move, which includes replacing and upgrading traffic lights along Madison Avenue and a waterline on the east end. The city already has resurfaced the parking lot at Madison Park and upgraded restrooms at the park.

The city hopes the improved street appearance will encourage business owners to invest in improving buildings in the area.

As an added incentive, the city is making storefront renovation grants available to Madison Avenue commercial property owners. The grants cover 40 percent of the cost of approved renovation projects up to $30,000.

"We have seen a marked increase in new businesses on Madison Avenue," City Planner Jason Russell said. "Our investment is designed to support existing businesses and encourage new businesses to invest along Madison Avenue."

Mayor Michael Summers said the project is "long overdue."

The city will host a public meeting at 7 p.m. March 11 to discuss the project with the community. The meeting will take place in the cafetorium at Harding Middle School, 16601 Madison Ave.

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