LORAIN — A major improvement project is planned for one of Lorain’s most heavily traveled roads.

The City of Lorain is moving forward with a rehabilitation project along roughly one mile of Tower Boulevard between North Leavitt Road/SR 58 and Oberlin Avenue, a corridor known by many residents for rough pavement and is heavily traveled.

On its Facebook page, the city described the project as a long-awaited upgrade aimed at improving road conditions, extending the life of the corridor and creating a safer, more accessible roadway for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.

What The Project Includes

According to the city’s Voices of Lorain project page, the work will include reconstruction of outside curb lanes, rehabilitation of interior median lanes, sidewalk improvements, drainage upgrades, new pavement markings, updated signage and ADA accessibility improvements.

The project will also include accommodations for bicyclists and transit users as part of the broader corridor improvement effort.

Tower Boulevard serves as an important connector route through Lorain, carrying traffic between neighborhoods, businesses and nearby communities including Amherst.

The total project cost is estimated at roughly $3.86 million. About 80% of the funding will come through federal transportation dollars administered through ODOT and regional transportation programs, while the City of Lorain will provide the remaining local share.

Construction Timeline

Preliminary work is already underway ahead of the main construction phase. According to project information released by the city, Columbia Gas has already begun lowering utility services for roughly 60 properties in preparation for construction.

Construction is expected to be phased to help keep local access open and minimize disruptions during the project. The city said lane closures and detours will be announced in advance through official communication channels.

Current timelines show design work continuing through late 2025, utility relocation work planned for spring 2026 and major construction expected between June and November 2026.

Tri-Mor is listed as the contractor for the project, while American Structure Point will provide inspection services. Veronica Newsome is serving as the city’s project manager.

Additional information and project updates are available through the city’s Voices of Lorain engagement website.

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