PORT CLINTON, OH (Toledo News Now) - The Ohio Department of Transportation said crews are on schedule to complete road construction at the intersection of State Routes 53 and 163 in Port Clinton by Friday.
Work began after Labor Day to upgrade, widen and resurface the heavily traveled intersection. The project was prompted by years of safety concerns.
The intersection is traditionally one of the busiest in Ottawa County, with heaviest traffic volumes on the weekend during tourism season. Local leaders urged ODOT to complete the project before the Memorial Day weekend.
"We probably call ODOT about every three days," said Steve Arndt, President of the Ottawa County Commissioners. "It is one of those accesses to everything- from Miller Ferry to the peninsula. So it is very critical for us to have that intersection fully functional as soon as the weather turns nice."
Business owners in the area said the construction project has crippled business.
"Nobody wants to come near this corner. That's one of the reasons it hurt the business. People want to avoid the intersection and I don't blame them," said Howard Catley, owner of Rickard's Bait and Tackle.
Catley said the Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of their busiest.
ODOT crews will do pavement work during the overnight hours to reduce the impact on traffic. An ODOT spokesperson said crews will work on signage and permanent striping Friday, which could delay drivers on Friday.
