Route picked to improve access in Fostoria

12/10/2002

FOSTORIA - State officials have chosen a perimeter route using Loudon Township Road 43 as their preference for providing train-free access to the city's eastern “Iron Triangle” neighborhood, while favoring West Tiffin Street for its western counterpart.

While more circuitous than building an overpass or underpass on Town Street, the Ohio Department of Transportation said yesterday, the Road 43 alternative is less expensive, less disruptive, and would support development of a planned industrial area on Fostoria's east side.

No statement was issued concerning the western “Iron Triangle,” but Fostoria Mayor John Davoli said last night he had received a letter identifying West Tiffin as ODOT's preferred alternative for that neighborhood. “I'm very pleased that we're getting one step closer now to getting relief for those iron triangles,” Mr. Davoli said.

Three main railroad lines intersect in Fostoria, and when certain combinations of railroad crossings are occupied simultaneously, either of the two “Iron Triangle” neighborhoods can be virtually cut off from emergency services.

On Dec. 20, the state Transportation Review Advisory Council is to consider funding for the Fostoria projects.

While there were strong opinions locally about the alternatives, Mr. Davoli said he hopes citizens will unite behind ODOT's selections.

The Road 43 project is expected to cost about $3.9 million, including land acquisition, while the West Tiffin project is expected to cost $4.1 million plus land acquisition.

ODOT's statement forecast project design to begin next year, followed by land acquisition in 2004 and construction in 2005, funding permitting.