WARREN TOWNSHIP — The Ohio Department of Transportation plans to install a new traffic signal at the U.S. Route 422 and state Route 5 / 82 westbound exit ramp, according to a Tuesday news release from ODOT.

The $236,320 project is expected to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall.

Warren Township Trustee Ed Anthony said the project has been talked about, but he was surprised to hear it was actually going forward.

“I guess the traffic study they did warranted a signal,” Anthony said.

He said he and fellow trustees Kay Anderson and Ryan Yoho were never given results of the traffic study, which he said is “unusual.”

“If a traffic signal will reduce accidents there, we are in favor of it. Our priority is the safety of our residents and people traveling through our township,” Anthony said. “I am just surprised because we didn’t hear anything about the project for a while, so we didn’t think it would happen.”

Anthony said he does not believe the project will create too much of an inconvenience.

During project construction, two-way traffic will be maintained on a minimum of two 11-foot lanes by use of existing pavement. Lane closures will not be permitted during the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., as well as 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, the ODOT release states.

If it is necessary to stop all traffic for overhead work, the stoppage shall be less than 10 minutes in any one 30-minute period. Lane closure / restrictions and / or traffic stoppage information will be posted within the project construction limits prior to the start of any restriction or stoppage at the intersection. Access shall be maintained to all adjacent properties, businesses and intersecting side streets for the duration of the construction project.

As part of the environmental process for the project, ODOT is seeking any comments the public may have regarding the proposed project. 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. Comments or questions should be directed to Sean Carpenter, environmental specialist for ODOT District 4, at 330-786-2274 or sean.carpenter@dot.ohio.gov.

Comments received by Aug. 15 will be considered during project development, but all comments received will receive a reply.