If you've ever traveled State Route 224 in Boardman, you know it's usually busy. But each Black Friday, it attracts probably the most traffic that stretch of highway sees all year.
"Traffic detail, it's very overwhelming for us," said Boardman police Lt. Albert Kakascik. "In fact, there is probably no way that we could adequately staff to handle the traffic."
This year the Ohio Department of Transportation has been working along Route 224 to alleviate some of the traffic.
They have added right hand turning lanes from Tiffany Boulevard to the Shops at Boardman Park, and just this week, they finished the last part of the project by linking all of the traffic signals together.
"Basically that will help traffic flow better through the area," said Justin Chesnic, ODOT spokesperson. "They were just kind of sitting out there before, being connected to a loop box basically. What we've done now, is that we have everything connected so that they will cycle properly. Push traffic through there, hopefully a little bit easier."
While officials feel that the changes will help with traffic, they warned drivers should still give themselves some extra time.
"Yes we widened it. You should have an easier time getting through there," said Chesnic. "But if you want to be in a certain area at a certain time, give yourself that extra time."
The Boardman Police Department will have all hands on deck Friday. Police said drivers using some common sense could really help.
"The only solution around that problem is for the individual drivers and the people shopping," Kakascik said. "They really have to take care of the issue themselves, mainly by being patient, allowing enough time to go somewhere and not be in a hurry."
