The City is planning major road reconstruction projects in the Longbrooke area and along Front Street for 2025.
The improvements in the Longbrooke neighborhood will involve reconstruction of nine cul de sacs.
The cul de sacs are Brigton Circle (north and south), Perham Circle (north and south), Crossbrook Circle (south of Merrimak Drive), Tauton Circle (north and south), Duxbury Circle and Putney Circle.
Service Director Tony Armagno said there will be time when residents will not be able to use their driveways. The project includes the total reconstruction of the roadways down to the base.
“We want to get the roads done before the end of the year,” Armagno said, “and get the project started as soon as possible.”
“Cul de sacs are tricky,” he added.
Longbrooke does not qualify for grant monies. The project will be paid for by the City. Cost will be determined once bids are received.
The Front Street project will be funded in part by $250,000 from Cuyahoga County. Total cost is estimated to be $750,000 with the City paying that portion of the cost. Work will start sometime after July 4 and the conclusion of the City’s annual Grindstone Festival.
This project involves resurfacing Front from Bagley to Church Street. There should be no traffic restrictions.
Armagno said some of the recommendations from the Transportation for Livable Cities Initiative would be incorporated into the project. That would include a “refuge island” to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street.
The transportation study was funded by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency and focused on the downtown area. The study began in the fall 2023 and concluded in 2024. Three community meetings were held to seek input from residents on how to improve parking, vehicle traffic and pedestrian and bicycle access to downtown Berea.