Calcutta road rehabilitation project nears completion | News, Sports, Jobs

For years, Columbiana County officials have focused on improving safety and accessibility along County Road 430, known locally as Calcutta-Smith Ferry Road. A multi-phase rehabilitation project is nearing completion, with the county commissioners recently approving the design for the final stage, Phase 6.

A Long-Term Investment in Infrastructure

Phase 6 of the project will cover a 0.5-mile stretch of the road, beginning at Vernon Dell Tractor and extending to Bell School Road. County Engineer Bert Dawson described the overall project as something he “wanted to do for a long time,” recognizing the road’s importance as a well-travelled route, particularly for school buses.

Phased Improvements

The rehabilitation has unfolded over several years, with recent phases demonstrating significant improvements. Phase 4, completed in 2022 at a cost of $5,796,497, involved a 1-mile section east of East Liverpool Road. Work included the installation of curbs, gutters, and catch basins, as well as straightening curves and improving road alignment. Last year, Phase 5, costing $1,723,035, added curbs along a 0.35-mile section beginning at East Liverpool Road.

Did You Know? Calcutta-Smith Ferry Road extends nearly to the Pennsylvania border, serving as a key connector for residents and commuters.

The ongoing work aims to improve not only the road’s alignment and grade but also driveway visibility, making it safer for residents to enter and exit their properties. Dawson noted the road provides a convenient alternative to State Route 11, acting as a “back door to Calcutta.”

Looking Ahead

The design for Phase 6 will be undertaken by ms consultants, inc. Of Youngstown, selected from a pool of four interested firms. Chief Engineer Troy Graft anticipates challenges in this final phase due to the proximity of houses to the roadway. $2.5 million in state transportation improvement funding has been secured for the project. If negotiations with ms consultants, inc. Are successful, a contract is expected to follow.

Expert Insight: Long-term infrastructure projects like this demonstrate a commitment to public safety and regional connectivity. Addressing issues like road alignment, drainage, and driveway access can significantly reduce accident risk and improve the quality of life for residents.

Beyond the road rehabilitation, the county commissioners have also approved other infrastructure projects, including a $388,616 contract with Border Patrol LLC of Hopedale to replace pumps at the Elkton Wastewater Treatment Plant. These pumps, original to the plant’s construction 30 years ago, are being replaced along with six 12-inch valves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of Phase 6?

Phase 6 will cover 0.5 miles of Calcutta-Smith Ferry Road, from Vernon Dell Tractor to Bell School Road, and will include the installation of curbs and gutters, as well as efforts to straighten curves.

How much has been spent on the road rehabilitation project so far?

Phase 4 cost $5,796,497 and Phase 5 cost $1,723,035, totaling $7,519,532 for those two phases alone.

What other projects are underway in Columbiana County?

The county is also addressing wastewater treatment infrastructure with a $388,616 project to replace pumps at the Elkton Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as pursuing bridge replacements and road resurfacing projects.

As Columbiana County continues to invest in its infrastructure, residents may consider how these improvements will shape their daily commutes and overall quality of life.