Staff report

HUBBARD — The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on a project that would improve the quality of a road running north of the city.

In a Tuesday news release, ODOT announced it was resurfacing nearly 4.5 miles of U.S. Route 62 from Hubbard’s city corporation limits to the Pennsylvania State Line in Hubbard and Brookfield townships.

The project also proposes the installation of an exclusive northbound left-turn lane and extension of an existing southbound left-turn lane at the Route 62 and Franklin Avenue intersection in Hubbard Township, to provide what they considered “sufficient left-turn capacity” for vehicles at the intersection.

The project also proposes the installation of a loon, an area of additional pavement to facilitate left-turn or U-turn movements of larger vehicles, at Route 62 and Hibler Lane intersection in the township.

The project, which is expected to cost $4.6 million, is expected to begin construction in Spring 2026 but is currently in the preliminary planning phase, according to the release.

Hubbard Township trustee Bill Colletta clarified the township doesn’t control the road, but he was happy with the state’s decision regardless.

“Very happy the state chose to upgrade the road; it’s a busy interchange that needs addressed,” Colletta said Wednesday evening.

The release states portions of both intersections will be maintained while improvements ensue.

On the Hibler Lane side, a minimum of one lane per direction will be maintained on Route 62. Intersecting side roads will be maintained using one 10-foot lane going in opposite directions, according to the release, and the intersection’s median will be closed for 30 calendar days.

The southbound on-ramp from Brookfield Road to Route 62 will be closed for the same amount of time. Its detour will utilize alternate Route 62 – Chestnut Ridge Road.

The Franklin Avenue portion is expected to receive similar treatment, but the median will be closed to traffic for two consecutive nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for drainage improvements.

ODOT is seeking any comments the public may have regarding the proposed project as part of the environmental process.

“Project-related issues the public may wish to comment on include, but are not limited to, the effect of the project on residents, businesses, the local economy, historic or cultural resources, etc.,” the release states.

Any comments or questions can be sent to Sean Carpenter, ODOT District 4 environmental specialist, at 330-786-2274 or Sean.carpenter@dot.ohio.gov.