AKRON, Ohio - Major improvements are coming to Akron's Central Interchange, with construction scheduled to begin in 2021.

The Ohio Department of Transportation wants the public to weigh in at a public meeting to discuss design and improvements. The public meeting will be from 5- 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, at the Glover Community Learning Center cafeteria, at 935 Hammel St. in Akron.

At the root of the project is an in-depth analysis of Akron's freeway system that studied traffic flow, infrastructure condition and other issues. The project will improve traffic flow and safety while replacing aging bridges.

The work will involve:

Ramps from I-76 west to I-77 south, I-76 west to State Route 8 north; and I-76/I-77 east to State Route 8 north will be reconfigured with bridges on the ramps replaced

To accommodate the reconfigured ramps, the Lafollette Street bridge over I-77 is to be replaced with a pedestrian/bicycle bridge over I-77 to serve the future Rubber City Heritage Trail

Coventry Street will be removed between Kipling and Lafollette streets

The I-76 west exit ramp to Inman /Johnston streets and the I-77 south Lovers Lane exit ramp will be closed

Noise walls might be constructed at various locations

The public meeting will an open house with no formal presentation. Attendees can stop in any time from 5-7 p.m. Maps, exhibits and plan information will be on display. ODOT project team members will be on hand to discuss the proposed project and answer questions.

Public comments are due by March 23 and can be submitted by phone, email or mail.

Call Robert Lang, ODOT District 4 Environmental Specialist at 330-786-4975 or send an email to him. Mail comments to: Robert Lang, Environmental Specialist Ohio Department of Transportation - District 4, 2088 South Arlington Road Akron, 44306.

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