Two Route 11 rest areas to close for repairs

NORTH LIMA — Two rest areas on state Route 11 will be closed from Monday until Oct. 31 for repairs. The Ohio Department of Transportation will close the stations, located four miles north of the Mahoning-Columbiana line, to repair sidewalks, curbs and parking lots.

ODOT spokeswoman Paula Putnam said the stations’ walkways are a liability; two people have filed complaints with the department after suffering injuries on the sidewalks.

ODOT must finalize costs, estimated between $180,000 to $240,000, before accepting bids.

Putnam said closing the stations will prevent further incidents on the properties and will allow work to be completed sooner.