Wick and Lincoln avenues, two primary campus arteries at Youngstown State University, are undergoing major reconstruction, which will necessitate detours and possible traffic delays throughout fall.
The projects, which include new street surfaces, sidewalks, curbing, lighting, lane configurations and landscaping, will significantly upgrade two of the most visible and travelled entrances to and through campus. In addition, utility lines along Wick Avenue between Rayen Avenue and the Madison Avenue Expressway will be placed underground. The project is led by the city of Youngstown.
Throughout the project, there will be numerous lane closures, traffic restrictions and detours that could change from day-to-day and week-to-week during construction. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel and pay close attention to and follow all posted detours. Pedestrians advised to be particularly cautious in crossing both streets during construction.
Affected campus streets, access
• Lincoln Avenue – Lincoln Avenue is currently under construction – from Wick Avenue to Fifth Avenue – and is expected to be finished in late December. Lincoln will be closed to vehicular traffic during construction. Detours will be posted. However, businesses along Lincoln remain open and are keeping regular business hours. Pedestrian access to cross Lincoln Avenue will be restricted but maintained; pedestrian detours will be posted. The Lincoln Avenue parking deck will remain open; however, there will be no access to the Lincoln deck from Lincoln Avenue. Motorists should follow posted detours to enter the Lincoln Avenue deck from the Fifth Avenue entrance. The project’s cost is $1.2 million and uses federal funds.
• Wick Avenue – Wick Avenue construction – from Wood Street to McGuffey Road – is expected to start during fall semester 2016. Lane restrictions and closures will be in force; motorists are advised to avoid Wick Avenue and follow posted detours. Pedestrian access to cross Wick Avenue will be restricted but maintained; pedestrian detours will be posted. The Wick Avenue parking deck will remain open through construction. Motorists should follow posted detours to enter and exit the Wick deck. The project’s cost is $4.9 million with $3.9 million from the city, $800,000 from YSU, and remainder coming from Youngstown CityScape.
