The City of Tallmadge in conjunction with Brimfield Township and the Ohio Department of Transportation are currently planning a project that will include the widening of East Avenue (CR 630) from Community Road to approximately 950 feet east of the Summit/Portage County line. This widening will occur to facilitate a center two-way left turn lane and to install curb and sidewalks on both sides of East Avenue. The project will be divided into Phase 1 (Munroe Road to the existing Menards western driveway ) and Phase 2 (Community Road to Munroe Road). Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2026, which may change depending on project funding that is being pursued.

The purpose of the project is to improve overall quality of traffic control, reduce congestion, and increase the traffic safety along the East Avenue corridor. Additional work will include resurfacing of the entire project area, installing curb and gutter, and installing sidewalks along the north and south sides of East Avenue, as well as improving drainage, signage and pavement markings.

The majority of the proposed improvements will be constructed within existing highway right-of-way. However, additional temporary and/or permanent right(s)-of-way will be required along East Avenue to accommodate construction. Affected property owners will be contacted at a later date.

It is anticipated the proposed work along East Avenue will utilize temporary pavement and part-width pavement construction, so as to not restrict access to adjacent businesses or residences via full road closure. A minimum of one 11-foot lane will be maintained in each direction for majority of construction. Access will be maintained to all adjacent properties for the duration of the project.

An environmental document to assess potential environmental impacts resulting from the proposed project is currently being prepared. As part of the environmental process, the City of Tallmadge is seeking comments from the public about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of this proposed project. Environmental impacts include those involving archeological, architectural and ecological resources, regulated materials, and the general location of the project. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (codified as 36 CFR 800), the City of Tallmadge requests information regarding the presence of any known cultural resources in the vicinity of the project. Cultural resources include prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, historic bridges, historic buildings, sites and districts.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires Federal agencies (and in this case ODOT) to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties. The Section 106 process seeks to incorporate historic values into project planning through consultation among agencies, and other parties, with an interest in the effects of the undertaking on historic properties. Individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in the effects of an undertaking on historic properties can become a Section 106 consulting party. The various consulting parties work together to discuss options, provide multiple viewpoints, and strive to seek common agreement on the incorporation of historic preservation values into the project. If you are interested in becoming a Section 106 consulting party, please fill out and return an application to the Ohio Department of Transportation at the address shown on the application.

To ensure the proposed project is viable and successful, the City of Tallmadge is asking all those interested to attend and participate in a open house public meeting. Comments are requested regarding any concerns about the project including: the social, environmental, and economic impacts of this proposed project. Additional information is requested on the existence of cultural resources (including prehistoric archaeological sites, historic bridges, historic buildings, landmarks and districts), ecological resources (streams, wetlands, etc.), or hazardous materials (dump sites, underground and above ground storage tanks, etc.) within the project area.

If you are unable to attend the public meeting, your comments and concerns are still important to us. We ask that all comments be submitted no later than June 10, 2022 to Michael Rorar, Director of Public Services, City of Tallmadge by the online form below or Phone: 330-633-0845.