The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to move forward with its construction project on U.S. Route 224 in Boardman aimed at improving traffic flow and safety, with work scheduled to begin this fall. 

Officials say the project will include adding an extra lane in each direction at the intersection of Southern Boulevard, creating three lanes of traffic each wat. Drivers can also expect a protected left-turn signal, and a new U-turn in that area, along with a center divider between Southern Boulevard and Tanglewood Drive to prevent left turns onto or off the road. 

To make space for the expansion ODOT will need to acquire additional land from Ferguson's House of Furniture. The department has offered them $137,670 for the property.

Negotiations are ongoing, and if an agreement cannot be reached, the matter could go to court.

"This is a negotiation between ODOT and the property owners, and if an agreement can't be made, then that is when it would proceed to court for a resolution," ODOT spokesperson, Ray Marsch said. 

The owners of Ferguson's House of Furniture did not respond to requests for comment.

ODOT expects the project to be completed by summer 2028. 

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