Struthers plans downtown safety upgrades without major disruptions

The construction in downtown Struthers is hard to miss. Multiple projects are underway including a gas line project by Enbridge Gas and a water replacement project by Aqua.

Mayor Catherine Cercone Miller said Aqua is awaiting a permit that would allow them to create a tunnel underneath the railroad tracks to install utilities. 

Right now with all the construction, we're just trying to get through it. we're trying to rip the band aid off." Miller said. 

While current projects have caused detours and road closures, the mayor said that will not be the case for the $1 million Downtown Struthers Safety Improvement Project.

"There's two projects going on simultaneously that we really have no control over. This one we are going to have control over," Miller said. "The summer of '26 is when it's going to actually be taking place, but we won't be closing any roads." 

The project includes upgrades to traffic signals, crosswalks, pavement markings, curb extensions and bump outs. Miller told 21 News that the goal is to make the downtown area safer for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. 

In an effort to prevent current and future projects from impacting businesses and residents, the mayor believes consistent communication is key.

"One of the things we want to do is make sure our communication is very upfront and very open, very transparent with all of our business owners downtown, so they're aware of what's going on, so they're not kind of left in the dark." Miller said. 

Before starting the safety improvement project, the city wants input from Struthers residents by June 27.