Strongsville City Council on Sept. 2 authorized the mayor and city engineer to submit an application for State of Ohio Issue 1 funding for reconstruction and turn-lane improvements at the Albion Road and Prospect Road intersection. The total estimated project cost cited in committee was $3,646,335; the application combines a grant and a 0% loan.

Why this matters: The intersection carries growing traffic tied to development in the Columbia Station area, and council members said securing grant dollars would reduce the city’s share of the cost. Committee discussion centered on whether the submitted plan — which adds dedicated turn lanes — precludes alternative designs such as a roundabout.

In committee, the planning, zoning and engineering chair described the proposed scope: full reconstruction of the existing two-lane roadway to add dedicated eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes and dedicated turn lanes at each approach. Council members asked whether approving the application commits the city to that specific design; staff said the submission is meant to secure funding opportunities and that engineering and funding reviewers could require or recommend design changes.

Councilors and the mayor emphasized urgency: the application deadline cited in caucus discussion was Sept. 11, which prompted members to act promptly to keep the city eligible for Issue 1 funds. The council voted to suspend the rules and adopt Ordinance 202589 to prepare and submit the application; roll-call votes recorded affirmative votes from the members present and the ordinance was adopted at the meeting.

Discussion vs. decision: Council approved the application and moved forward to seek Issue 1 monies; engineering staff and funding reviewers could still require different designs during plan review and bidding processes. Council members said that if funding is secured, future steps (bids, detailed design, and council approvals for any contract) will come back to council.

Ending: With the application approved, city staff will prepare and submit the Issue 1 application; councilors asked to retain flexibility on final design pending engineering review and any conditions of award.