STRUTHERS, Ohio - Train traffic in Struthers is an enduring symbol of its industrial past.
 
While the tracks that run along the Mahoning River still carry engines and freight cars, the river itself carries nothing more than the occasional kayakers.
 
But that tide seems to be turning.
 
"We're very excited to finally get this going," says mayor Catherine Cercone Miller.
 
Now that the dam in Struthers is set to become the second to be demolished along the river, plans for development there are starting to flow freely.
 
"Ours is especially unique because the dam is right in downtown Struthers," says Miller. "There's a huge chunk of land (behind Cene Park) we're trying to work with just to develop that, but there's so many different possibilities."
 
Which Miller says include an eco-friendly, fitness-minded walkable setting, along with a boat launch.
Any type of business will be welcome.
 
"I want to make sure it's something my kids can enjoy when they're older," Miller said. 
 
The anticipation goes beyond Struthers itself.
The Friends of the Mahoning River, a group of advocates working to improve the quality of the river, say they're happy to see the work get underway.
 
"This is something that will improve water quality, improve the fish habitat, and it'll improve recreation around the areas," said the group's Felicia Armstrong.
 
It'll take a couple months for an engineer to evaluate the safety of nearby buildings, and for all the extractions, dredging and stabilizing work to be done.
 
Work to turn the river into an opportunity to thrive that Struthers can take to the bank...the river bank, that is.
 
"It's going to do so much, not just for Struthers but for the entire Mahoning River area," said Miller.
 
The demolition work is set to begin Tuesday.
 
The river is now closed to kayakers, and Miller said signs will be posted reminding people to not get in the water in that area.