HOWLAND The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) plans to begin new closures and detours on Friday for the ongoing State Route 46 and 82 Diverging Diamond Interchange project in Howland Township.

Beginning on Friday, Aug. 15, the ramp from State Route 82 westbound to State Route 46 will be closed for pavement work. The closure is expected to last through late August.

Drivers heading south on State Route 46 will be detoured to State Route 82 west, to Elm Road, then to State Route 82 east. Those traveling north on State Route 46 will be directed to State Route 82 west, to Elm Road, to State Route 305, and finally to State Route 46.

The project, which broke ground in September 2023, is a major undertaking to improve safety and reduce congestion at the intersection, which sees more than 50,000 vehicles daily. The intersection is a key access point for the Eastwood Mall Complex and the wider Warren/Howland/Niles area.

According to ODOT, the intersection had 159 crashes over four years, making it a priority for safety improvements.

The $20.4 million project is estimated to be completed by fall 2026.