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GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio – On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced a project that will bring relief to drivers who frequently travel the popular Interstate 271 corridor linking Cleveland, Akron and Canton.

I-271 will be widened in both directions between Miles Road and the Summit County line.

The estimated $125 million project, which will include replacement of the existing pavement, noise walls and lighting, is scheduled to begin in 2016 and last two years.

This and other projects across the state were made possible by the Transportation Review Advisory Council preliminary approval to Gov. John Kasich’s (R-OH) “Jobs and Transportation Plan.”

Kasich’s plan proposes creating as many as 60,000 new jobs and stimulating Ohio’s economy with a $3 billion investment that accelerates key highway projects.

“Without funding for transportation, our citizens, commerce and safety will suffer,” said ODOT District 12 deputy director Myron Pakush. “Without this plan, many projects here and around the state, would not see construction and the economic development that comes along with it for another decade.”

I-271 will be widened from two to three lanes north and southbound between Miles Road and Columbus Road and from three lanes to five lanes north and southbound between Columbus Road and the I-480/I-271 split near the Summit County line.

ODOT also announced on Wednesday a similar project to widen I-271 from two to three lanes in Summit County between the Cuyahoga County line and state Route 8 that will improve access to the Ohio Turnpike. That estimated $60 million project is scheduled to begin in 2014 and be completed in 2016.

SOURCE: NewsNet5.com

Article and Picture Courtesy of WEWS NewsChannel 5