Macedonia council authorizes ODOT partnership for Route 8/Highland improvements, cites $2.26 million federal grant request

Macedonia’s City Council on April 23 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a Local Public Agency project agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to fund intersection improvements at Highland Road and State Route 8.

Director Gelotti told council the project package would add turn lanes at the Route 8/Highland intersection, add a turn lane at South Bedford and Highland, replace two traffic signals and construct sidewalk on South Bedford Road in front of the high school to connect existing walkways.

"We are asking for $2,256,557 from Congresswoman Sykes' office," Director Gelotti said, adding the city believes the request is competitive. He emphasized that ODOT will administer the public bid and construction process.

The funding the director described would supplement ODOT’s delivery role; Gelotti said the city’s final share will depend on grant awards and the standard ODOT agreement terms. The director also characterized the project as improving vehicle flow and pedestrian safety near the high school.

Council offered Resolution 27-2026 for first, second and third readings by title and then voted to adopt it. The resolution passed during the meeting; the city did not state a dollar amount yet guaranteed to the city because any award will be formula-driven and contingent on grant decisions.

If awarded, the requested federal funding would reduce the local share and enable ODOT to manage bidding and construction under the LPA agreement. Council did not set a construction schedule during the meeting; Director Gelotti said roadwork and signal replacement are part of the scope and that ODOT would conduct the public bid process.

The council moved on to other business after adopting the resolution; no public comments on this item were recorded during the meeting.

The project was introduced by staff and described on the record; next steps are expected to follow standard ODOT LPA procedures and any grant award timeline.