SR 8 Traffic Congestion and Safety Improvements
SR 8 Traffic Congestion and Safety Improvements
The public comment period is now closed.
The project team is currently reviewing all public comments. We appreciate your participation!
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is working to address congestion and safety issues on State Route (SR) 8 just before the Central Interchange to Perkins Street. ODOT is proposing various improvements along I-77 north of Lovers Lane to the Central Interchange and along SR 8 from the Central Interchange to just north of Perkins Street in Akron. Overall, the project proposes to add an additional travel lane to southbound SR 8, add an additional travel lane to northbound SR 8 between the central interchange and Perkins Street, remove the SR 8 bridges over Beacon Street and provide a box culvert underpass for the Rubber City Heritage Trail, construct noise walls, widen and resurface/replace pavement, improve drainage, and install new lighting and signage.
The project also proposes to reconfigure ramps between Carroll Street and the Central Interchange to alleviate congestion. 3 different “braided” ramp alternatives were developed to evaluate which ramp configuration is best. Based on initial analysis and public feedback, “braided” ramp Alternative 1 has been selected to move forward into detailed design.
ODOT is currently seeking project construction funding, so the date of project construction is to be determined.
A “braided” ramp fixes the current traffic “weave” that causes traffic congestion.
Currently, southbound SR 8 traffic before the Central Interchange “weaves” together and often causes backups. This happens because traffic entering from the Carroll Street on-ramp is forced to mix with traffic attempting to exit SR 8 by moving over a lane to use the off-ramps for I-76 east and I-76/77 west. The proposed solution to the traffic weaving together is to “braid” the ramps to separate the traffic entering SR 8 from the traffic trying to exit SR 8.
Braided ramps cross each other with one ramp using a bridge to cross over the other ramp below. This configuration separates traffic and eliminates backups from traffic weaving together.
Upcoming Open House Meeting
We want to inform you of the selection of the preferred “braided” ramp alternative, provide information on what is being proposed, receive your feedback, and answer your questions.
When: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Akron-Summit County Main Library - Meeting Room 2AB
60 South High Street
Akron, Ohio 44326
As this is an open house meeting, you’re welcome to stop by whenever is convenient for you from 5:00 – 7:00 pm to view project exhibits, chat with project team members, and submit comments. No formal presentation will be given.
How can I participate/provide comments?
Join us at the open house on March 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. All project information and materials (handout, exhibits) will be available on this webpage following the open house meeting or may be requested from Robert Lang (contact information below). Navigate to the “Comments & Next Steps” section to submit any comments or questions you may have.
Questions and comments about the project can also be submitted to Robert Lang, the Environmental Project Manager, by the following methods:
- Email: Robert.Lang@dot.ohio.gov
- Call Robert Lang: 330-786-4975
- Mail a comment form (located for download in the sidebar of this webpage) or letter to:
- Robert Lang
- ODOT District 4
- 2088 S Arlington Road
- Akron, OH 44306
Comments may be submitted until April 5, 2024.
Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you.