Although there are construction projects all over town, the main project is still the Rt. 82 widening project, which affects the main thoroughfare of North Royalton.
The Rt. 82 widening project converts Royalton Road, which runs east/west through North Royalton, from a two lane road to a three lane road, with six-foot sidewalks and seven-foot tree lawns one each side, as well as two 15-foot lanes and an 11-foot turning lane, completing a span of 78 feet. The lanes will be wider than the current lanes. The West 130 to York Road portion of the Royalton Road project is being sponsored by Cuyahoga County and estimated at $14.5 million for construction and construction administration costs. The widening project is also expected to include widening intersections, traffic light improvement, installation of storm sewers, culvert improvement/replacement, sanitary improvement and storm water detention basin construction.
North Royalton construction company DiGioia-Suburban Excavating is managing the first phase of the project, which spans the area between West 130 Street and York Road. The subsequent sections of Rt. 82 will then be widened, between York and Ridge Roads, and Ridge Road to the North Royalton eastern border with Broadview Heights.
Don Holmok, Senior Estimator for DiGioia, said that two way traffic is continually maintained during the widening project. A new water line and storm sewers have been installed on the south side of the road. “We will also be working on the culvert in the valley,” he said.
“The new pavement has been installed on the widened south side of Royalton Road between Spruce Run Drive and just east of Abbey Road, as well as most of the sidewalk and treelawn areas,” according to North Royalton City Engineer, Mark Schmitzer. “Work has been completed on the side streets off Royalton Road on the south side between Spruce Run Drive and just east of Abbey Road.”
Currently, the traffic has been shifted onto the new pavement in order to allow for the old portion of the road to be removed, according to the North Royalton Engineering Department. The construction of the new roadway on the north side between Spruce Run Drive and just east of Abbey Road has now begun. According to County officials, “ Abbey Road will be closed for 30 days starting in mid-July. A detour will be posted.”
“The city appreciates your continued patience with the construction on this major project. We are working with the County and the contractor to help keep a safe travel environment during the project,” stated city officials. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the County at their local field office in North Royalton at (440)628-9229. The deadline date for the phase one project is July of 2021.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer