Stark County's 2025 Road and Bridge Upgrades: Where Will the Changes Be?

Prepare for orange barrels, Stark County, as the construction season is in full swing on county roads. This year’s lineup of projects includes bridge replacements, approximately 50 miles of roadway improvements, and a major initiative in the Belden Village area. Collectively, these efforts will cost around $30 million, including some carryover projects from 2024.

The Belden Village project stands out as the largest of the year, focusing on improvements to Dressler Road NW and Everhard Road NW. With a price tag of $7.8 million, it is set to span two construction seasons, making this one of the more expensive road construction years compared to previous ones. Keith Bennett, Stark County Engineer, emphasized its significance: “Dressler and Everhard is such a big number. That's the big one.”

Each year, the county allocates its own motor vehicle funds toward road treatments like chip and seal, microsurfacing, and hot mix resurfacing, which help extend the life of the roads. These investments alone amount to about $5.5 million. According to Brian Cole, Deputy County Engineer, “We were able to put a good bit of money into paving this year.”

Here’s what residents can expect in terms of specific road and infrastructure developments across the county:

Major Projects

Cherry Road NW Bridges (Massillon)

Two bridges along Cherry Road NW—crossing a railroad and the Tuscarawas River—will undergo rehabilitation after decades of wear. Built in 1948, both structures are in need of significant repairs. The scope includes concrete patching, new approach slabs, painting steel beams, and extending the river bridge abutment to improve truck turn safety. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with detours posted during closures. Over 6,000 motorists use this stretch daily, so traffic impacts will be notable. Funding comes from an Ohio Department of Transportation Local Major Bridge Program grant and Ohio Public Works Commission support.

Dressler Road Improvement Project (Jackson Township)

The intersection of Dressler Road NW and Everhard Road NW is among the busiest in the county. The two-year effort aims to enhance traffic flow and safety by adding left turn lanes and raised medians at key intersections. Wenger Excavating is handling the work, with crews concentrating this year on the Dressler corridor. Next year, they’ll tackle the Everhard Road section after completing a water line replacement in North Canton. While traffic will remain open, some lane closures and overnight work are anticipated. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.

Beaumont Avenue NW Bridge Replacement (Lawrence Township)

An old steel truss bridge over Newman Creek will be replaced this month, closing Beaumont Avenue for 120 days starting July 7. Black Horse Construction will oversee the $777,891 project, funded through state grants. Detours will be clearly marked.

Lawndell Road SW Bridge Replacement (Sugar Creek Township)

A deteriorating single-span steel truss bridge near Brewster will be replaced with a modern three-span concrete slab structure. The 150-day closure begins July 21, also managed by Black Horse Construction at a cost of $1.6 million.

Perry Drive SW and Southway Street SW Signal Replacement (Perry Township)

This project focuses on pedestrian safety, replacing outdated signal equipment with mast arms, LED lighting, ADA-compliant curbs, and countdown signals. Costing $407,000, the upgrade will align with current standards.

Guardrail Improvements (Countywide)

Stark County is upgrading substandard guardrails to meet federal safety guidelines. Funded through a $173,980 grant, Lake Erie Construction Co. is leading the effort.

Robertsville Avenue SE Bridge Removal (Paris Township)

An obsolete bridge crossing a non-operational railroad line will be removed, with adjacent slopes regraded to accommodate farm vehicles. Estimated at $900,000, the project is slated for bidding in November.

Pavement Marking Project (Countywide)

Routine restriping and maintenance work will occur across multiple roads, costing $400,000 and scheduled for August bids.

Road Resurfacing Projects

Numerous township roads will see resurfacing, including: * Pontius Street NE, Price Street NE (Marlboro Township) * Alabama Avenue NW (Lawrence Township) * Fox Avenue SE (Paris Township) * Indian Run Avenue SE (Osnaburg Township) * Waynesburg Drive SE (Canton Township) * Hudson Drive SW (Bethlehem Township) * Battlesburg Street SW (Pike Township) * State Street NE (Marlboro Township) * Frank Avenue NW (Jackson Township) * Georgetown Street NE (Canton Township) * Meese Road NE (Nimishillen Township)

Carryover Projects from 2024

Three key 2024 projects are expected to wrap up this summer. Culvert replacements under 12th Street NW and Summerdale Avenue NW in Perry Township faced delays due to a contractor dispute that led to legal action. After settling in May, the county agreed to pay $300,000 and amend termination terms. Lockhart Concrete has resumed work, aiming for completion before school starts.

The four-phase Perry Drive reconstruction from Southway Street to SR 172 is nearing completion, having cost $4.5 million. Finally, outstanding road resurfacing efforts across several townships—including Beechwood Avenue, Trump Avenue NE, and Everhard Road NW—are approaching final stages.

As construction ramps up, drivers should anticipate delays, detours, and occasional lane closures. Officials encourage patience and planning ahead when traveling through affected areas.