Drivers will encounter detours beginning Monday, June 2, as roads are closed in Columbiana and Mercer County for road construction projects

The final phase of a major rehabilitation project on State Route 39 near Highlandtown in Columbiana County is scheduled for Monday, June 2, with a 60-day road closure. The closure, impacting a section of Route 39 from Steubenville Pike to Clarks Mill Road, marks the third and last planned shutdown for the 4.5-mile project stretching from Salineville to Highlandtown.

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced the closure, which restricts access to non-local traffic. Residents, businesses, and property owners in the affected area will maintain access throughout the construction period.

The project, which started in June 2024, involves "rubblizing" the existing concrete base pavement — crushing it and rebuilding the base before laying new asphalt. Two previous 60-day closures for different sections were completed in 2024.

The official detour of the current closure sends motorists from Highlandtown on Route 39 east to Route 7 north, then to Route 45 north, Route 518 west, Route 164 south, and finally back to Route 39.

ODOT has coordinated with local emergency services and assured residents that mail, trash, and package deliveries will continue as usual. Businesses within the closure area will remain accessible, though entry will be limited to the side of the closure where the business is located. Farmland owners needing access are advised to contact the contractor in advance.

In Mercer County, Pennsylvania, a five-month closure is expected to begin June 2 as PennDOT continues a $1.4 million bridge repair project on Blacktown Road (Route 2006) over Interstate 79 in Springfield Township, Mercer County.

The bridge, located between Route 258 and Lee Road, is undergoing repairs to its concrete deck, beams, piers, and abutments, along with a new concrete surface. Paving on both sides of the bridge and guardrail updates are also part of the work.

Construction is slated to continue until October 2025. Motorists will be detoured using Route 208 and Route 258.

Built in 1963, the pre-stressed box beam bridge is currently classified as poor condition and serves approximately 550 vehicles daily. MEKIS Construction Corporation of Fenelton, Pa., is the contractor for the federally and state-funded project. PennDOT urged motorists to plan for the upcoming closure and detour.