Comment sought on Western Avenue plan

CHILLICOTHE – Public comment is being sought on a planned widening and signalization project on Western Avenue.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the proposed project would involve widening Western Avenue at Plyleys Lane by adding left-turn lanes on Western and upgrading traffic signals at Centennial Boulevard and Plyleys Lane. The project would require a little more than a half acre of permanent right of way and 0.151 acres of temporary right of way.

Environmentally, one tree that can provide a habitat for the federally endangered Indiana Bat would have to be removed. No homes or businesses would be removed by the project, which presently is scheduled to be awarded something in the spring of 2017.

More information on the project, including a complete technical description, maps and plan sheets, is available online at www.dot.state.oh.us/districts/D09/Pages/Public-Involvement-Process.aspx.

Issues members of the public may wish to comment on include the effect of the work on local residents, air quality, the local economy and historic or cultural resources.

Written comments should be submitted by May 8 or any online deadline date that may be posted. Comments can be mailed to Greg Manson, ODOT District 9 Environmental Supervisor, P.O. Box 467, 650 Eastern Ave., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Comments may also be emailed to greg.manson@dot.state.oh.us.