Another corridor leading to Youngstown will be getting a face lift and road improvements. 
 
Mahoning Avenue in the city limits from Meridian Road to Fellows Riverside Gardens up to the I-680 ramp, will be getting  6 to 7 million dollars worth of upgrades as city council paves the way for some major improvement projects in 2025. 
 
Deputy Director of Public works Chuck Shasho tells us in addition the water department will be replacing the water lines in that same limit between Bella Vista and the  I-680 ramp late 2024. 
 
"Most likely the beginning of 2025 with a complete roadway  project from Meridian Road to the Mahoning Avenue ramp. It's going to include pavement rehabilitation, pretty extensive replacement of curbs and sidewalks, and also new traffic lights will be happening next summer. It's close to a complete street project," Shasho said.
 
The improvement projects will help drivers who travel through the Mahoning Avenue Corridor to and from Youngstown, and improve walk ability for folks who live, dine or shop in that area.
 
The Manager of Casa Ramirez tells us the restaurant has been there for 30 years for the ups and down on the West Side. He and the owner hopes the city plans well, so traffic continues to flow through while construction is going on. 
 
"We're really hoping it will bring more customers, more business because it will look a lot better," said Carlos Ramirez, Manager of Casa Ramirez Mexican Restaurant.
 
City officials tell 21 News plans are for traffic to continue during construction.
 
Councilman Mike Ray says the city will also be doing traffic signal upgrades from roughly the B&O Station all the way to the end of Mahoning Avenue in the city limits.
 
"Mahoning Avenue is one of our most viable economic corridor into our city. High traffic counts pass through there all the time. We still have some anchor institutions on Mahoning Avenue, the public library's investment, Mill Creek Park. There are tons of businesses that continue to invest in the west side, Youngstown Councilman Mike Ray said. 
 
The upcoming projects will be paid for with a combination of Federal and State grants along with some of the city's awarded American Rescue Plan Act funds.