YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - People are being given a chance this afternoon to get a closer look at plans that would make significant changes to traffic in downtown Youngstown and around YSU.

A so-called “public involvement meeting” is scheduled at 4 pm on the Fifth Avenue Reconstruction and Downtown Signal projects.

One project would turn a stretch of Fifth Avenue, where YSU students contend with six lanes of speeding traffic between the Madison Avenue Expressway to Federal Street, to a quieter three or four lanes that would include, bus stops, bike, and pedestrian paths, new landscaping, and lighting.

The second project under discussion is a plan to remove seven downtown traffic signals and reconstruct 11 others along Wick Avenue, Front Street, and Market Street.

The city has obtained $10.8 million federal grant for improvements to the central business district.

No formal presentation will be made at the meeting. However, representatives from the City of Youngstown Department of Public Works, MS consultants, and GPD Group, the projects’ design consultants, will have studies and exhibits available for viewing.

The representatives will be available to discuss the proposed projects as well as address any questions or concerns you may have regarding the proposed improvements.

The meeting is scheduled from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, 100 E. Federal Street, Suite 1000, Youngstown.

More information about the projects may be seen below.