AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik on Tuesday offered an update on the city's expansive East Exchange Street improvement project, which is expected to be almost totally completed by the end of the year.
Normally several lanes wide, the busy roadway near the University of Akron campus is currently down to one lane in each direction as crews work on the pavement. Per the mayor's office, the north side of the street from Fountain to Kling Street "is already substantially complete," and all sewer lining is slated to be finished before the end of February.
Construction will soon be flipping from the north side of Exchange to the south side, with lanes being diverted to reflect the changes. However, officials have become concerned with drivers parking along the curb for short periods of time and "impeding the flow of traffic," so to help prevent this fencing will be installed this week on the south portion from Sumner to Allen Street.
The remainder of the northern half of the road from Kling to Arc Drive will be finished in late May, Malik's team says, followed by the entire southern half in stages by late November or early December. All that will be left after that are "minor aesthetic improvements" including sidewalks and street trees, which should be in place by the spring of 2025.
"The Exchange Street project is an extensive improvement for one of our main roadways and a critical part of the University of Akron campus," Malik, who took office just last month, said in a statement. "I know that many people — especially students — have questions and concerns about the project and how best to navigate the construction. I hope this update helps folks understand what's coming up next. I will continue to listen to feedback and respond to concerns, and I encourage everyone to support the businesses in this area as they will remain open and are ready to serve customers."
While businesses in the construction zone have remained open, parking on Exchange Street is specifically banned during the project. Those wishing to park can do so for free along Allyn and Sumner as well as at the school's South Campus Parking Deck.
A look at the incoming traffic flip and available parking can be seen below:
