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Route 7 work area confusing

While we question the decision to begin a lane-restrictive construction project during the darkest days of the year on one of the busiest highways in the area, we recognize the work has begun and we’re going to have to live with the consequences.

The lane restriction on state Route 7 between University Boulevard and Franklin Avenue in Steubenville is part of a project meant to improve the traffic flow and safety leading to and from the Veterans Memorial Bridge, University Boulevard and state Route 7. It is a safety improvement project as much as a traffic improvement project.

Unless drivers are paying attention, however, the construction area is a potential hazard to motorists.

Traffic moves into both lanes of what normally is the northbound side of state Route 7, running opposed to one another like on any two-lane road. Unlike other major lane restrictions on state Route 7 projects to the southern end of Jefferson County, there are no restrictive barriers in place.

The only thing separating drivers heading north and south is a double-yellow line.

That’s not a problem, so long as drivers recognize that they have to stay on their side of the line all the way through the construction zone, particularly in the area where drivers normally might be making a left turn to go onto University Boulevard and onto the bridge. That option does not exist. Drivers heading northbound on Route 7 have to continue northbound, get onto Route 22 and get off at the John Scott interchange, then head back onto Route 7 southbound to choose to go onto University Boulevard or east on the bridge.

Drivers coming down University to Route 7 can only turn left from the left lane and right from the right lane. After taking years for area drivers to get used to the double-left-turn configuration of the intersection, it’s back to single lane turns again.

Paying attention to signage helps. Following the instructions of those signs and markings is tantamount. Slow down and pay attention, watch for workers and equipment, especially as the snow begins flying and the dark days of winter descend.

It would be best for a traffic safety improvement project to remain safe throughout its construction.

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