Downtown construction may impact Wadsworth traffic and events

WADSWORTH — Wadsworth's downtown construction project is expected to affect traffic and could alter major summer events, City Councilman Tom Stugmyer said in Monday's Senior Citizens Commission meeting. The project, which includes extensive street and infrastructure work, will be completed in phases, with efforts being made to keep businesses accessible. However, how events will operate during construction is uncertain. Some construction activity could happen sometime in May, but it is most likely to begin in July. The total project is estimated for an 18- to 24-month timeline. Some events, which include festivals and fireworks, may need to be modified as construction work progresses. "We do not know what the fireworks are going to look like," Stugmyer said, noting that areas could be limited for staging and viewing. Traffic patterns are expected to change. While the city aims to maintain access through downtown, some streets may be reduced to one-way traffic or partially closed depending on construction needs. Stugmyer said sidewalk construction will be coordinated with business hours to reduce disruption. Construction is planned for off-peak times — evenings, days when businesses are closed and even overnight. Temporary access points will be installed to ensure customers can still enter businesses. Event planning has become more complicated as a result, with final layouts not being known until shortly before. "I have 42 food trucks coming in, and I have no idea where I can put them probably until a week before," he said. Updates, which will include maps and traffic changes, will be shared regularly with businesses and the public as construction continues. Contact reporter Sam Russ at (330) 491-6962 or sruss@medina-gazette.com.