The City of Akron is embracing progress as Mayor Malik announced continued improvements on East Exchange Street—a project likely to enhance the urban fabric near the University of Akron. Like many cities rejuvenating their infrastructure, Akron presses on with construction that had been on hold during winter months. Work resumed earlier in March, with expectations set for the project's completion in early July 2025, according to the City of Akron announcement.
As part of these updates, residents and commuters should gear up for detours starting March 24. Brown St. will be inaccessible from East Exchange Street for about four weeks due to intersection work. Traffic will weave through a detoured route via E. Exchange St., Grant Street, and E. Thornton Street. Access for those living and working on Brown Street will be open from the south end. On the construction agenda, sidewalks between Sumner and Allyn Streets are to be poured and finished, a process taking 2 weeks and should wrap up by mid-April. Post that, contractors address sidewalks extending from Allyn to Kling St., set to conclude by end of the month.
The city has not overlooked the needs of pedestrians and businesses amidst the construction chaos. Though sidewalks are getting a facelift, access to local storefronts isn't hindered, and free parking remains available on nearby side streets. Pursuant to the city's briefing, once Brown St. reconnects at the end of April, attention will then shift to Spicer St. from Exchange Street. This area will witness a four-week closure for upgrades, with specific detour plans to be shared closer to the date.
The East Exchange Street project aims to modernize the thoroughfare between Arc Drive and Fountain Street, integrating new pavement, curbs, sidewalks, bike lanes, and lighting)—not to mention upgrades to traffic signals, water mains, sewers, and landscaping. "We’re excited to see the end of this extensive improvement project in sight," Akron Mayor Shammas Malik affirmed in a statement echoed across the City of Akron's latest release. "I know this construction has been difficult for some of our local businesses and University of Akron students. In the end, we will have a fully updated corridor along one of our main roadways and a critical part of the University of Akron campus that we can be proud of." Mayor Malik also took the opportunity to encourage community members to stand by businesses along the Exchange St. corridor as work reaches its final stages.
