Summit County Council approved a resolution authorizing the county to enter memoranda of understanding and apply with the Village of Peninsula for Ohio Public Works Commission and Ohio Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program grant funding for a State Route 303 safety project.

Project overview: Village and county presenters said the project — estimated at about $3.2 million — would improve two key intersections on SR‑303 through the village, restore ADA accessibility on sidewalks, shorten pedestrian crossing distances and provide direct, safe access to the towpath trail, where none exists today.

Why it matters: presenters said the corridor is heavily used by park visitors and pedestrians; improvements are intended to reduce congestion, improve pedestrian safety and complete ADA upgrades. Tony (representing Peninsula and stakeholders including Metro Parks and the National Park Service) described existing congestion near the towpath and said the project would link sidewalks and crossings to the trail.

Funding and county role: presenters said funding would be sought through state and OPWC programs and that the county’s potential contribution would be up to $50,000. Council suspended rules and adopted the resolution authorizing the county to enter needed agreements and contribute funds if grants are awarded.

Next steps: village and county staff will pursue grant applications, and county staff said project implementation would proceed following successful grant awards and coordination with sewer and other infrastructure work already planned in the area.