SR 39 between Mechanicstown and Salineville closed for 75 days

If you are traveling east from Mechanicstown or west from Salineville, expect a lengthy detour.

State Route 39 was closed June 1 for 75 days for a major pavement rehabilitation project.

Eastbound traffic is being detoured south on state Route 524 to state Route 164, then north on state Route 164 to state Route 39 in Salineville. Westbound traffic will follow the reverse route.

ODOT officials said emergency services will be maintained throughout the duration of the project, including access to the Fox Township Homecoming grounds during the June 19-20 event.

ODOT officials also advised that temporary mailboxes may be installed along state Route 39 to accommodate the U.S. Postal Service and delivery services, including UPS and FedEx, throughout the closure area.

Trash pickup will continue on its normal schedule. If the contractor needs to coordinate a special pickup point at residences or businesses, those affected will be notified in advance, ODOT officials said.

Access to and from businesses will be maintained throughout the project. However, entry may be limited to the side of the closure where the business is located.

Workers will continue to provide access to all properties. ODOT requests that property owners contact the contractor in advance to make arrangements for larger equipment. This will help ensure entry points remain clear and construction equipment does not block access.

Anyone needing assistance may contact the ODOT District 11 office at 330-308-7817.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation's District 11 office, the project includes the removal and replacement of five miles of pavement along state Route 39 from Mechanicstown to just east of Salineville at the Carroll-Columbiana county line. ODOT officials said it is the same type of work completed during the past two summers east of Salineville.

The Shelly Company is the contractor for the $5.4 million project. The overall completion date is Sept. 30.

ODOT officials said the project is one of many included in ODOT's Priority System Major Rehabilitation Program.

The program provides funding for major rehabilitation projects on the priority system that restore the structural integrity and functional characteristics of pavement. Acceptable pavement treatment strategies include full-depth pavement replacement using rigid or flexible pavement, rubblize and roll, crack and seat, and unbonded concrete overlays.

The program receives $200 million annually to repair or replace poor-performing pavements and bridges along the state's multilane priority system.

ODOT officials said the projects improve the overall condition of the priority system, reduce maintenance efforts, improve safety and bring roadways up to current standards.