PORTAGE – State transportation representatives addressed the questions of
village officials and residents over an upcoming widening project that will encompass 32 miles of Interstate
75 starting next summer.The subject was the major topic of discussion with Ohio Department of Transportation
officials at Monday’s council meeting.Concerns have been raised that during the construction on I-75, more
and more drivers will opt to take Ohio 25 south and avoid the highway, creating potential driving headaches
and safety issues with more vehicles coming through the village. Route 25 goes right through the middle of
town.Portage Mayor Mark Wolford said earlier on Monday that semi trucks have been known to use Route 25 to
bypass the interstate, and other drivers similarly take the road to avoid delays caused by accidents on I-75
– a circumstance that can make it difficult for residents to drive in town, or even leave their homes when
traffic is heavier.Additionally, Portage no longer has a traffic light on Route 25, or a police department.
Law enforcement is handled by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.Michael Stormer, of ODOT District Two, said
at the meeting that the widening of I-75 will stretch from Findlay to Toledo, and that at least two lanes
will be kept open on I-75 throughout the construction. The widening will be accomplished through four
separate projects, beginning roughly simultaneously in July. Work is expected to continue though the summer
of 2016. Other projects, including an accelerated bridge construction project on U.S. 6, will also be
undertaken during that time.Addressing the possibility of increased traffic on Ohio 25 because of the
construction, Stormer acknowledged that, in all probability "there is going to be a crash on the
interstate" while construction is underway."We’re just going to try and work the best we can
to" get traffic flowing.Wolford suggested that in addition to working with law enforcement and towing
companies regarding the construction, which Stormer mentioned, ODOT should also work with emergency services
and fire departments.Wolford also voiced concerns about a crosswalk in the village that crosses Route 25.
Traffic challenges confronted by Wood Lane group home residents in the area were also noted."My big
concern are the students you’re talking about that are crossing a four-lane road to get to a bus," said
Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn, addressing one exchange during the discussion. He suggested the village contact the
new transportation director of Bowling Green City Schools to see if it would be possible for students to be
picked up on both sides of Route 25.He also said that, if traffic does increase in the village more than
anticipated, that the sheriff’s office should be called."I’m a big believer in high visibility to slow
people down," Wasylyshyn said.State Sen. Randy Gardner (R – Bowling Green) also attended, and took note
of the opening of communication lines between the village and ODOT at the meeting."I think this (the
I-75 project) is going to improve both safety and commerce, and the convenience of the motoring
public," he said."Along the way, big projects almost always cause some changes in traffic
patterns. Especially for small towns. Small towns matter, and I think ODOT’s proven they agree with
that."