Contested Cable Road Project moves forward after narrow Lima City Council approval

LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A crucial vote was made Monday night at Lima City Council regarding the future of the highly contested Cable Road Safety Improvement Project.

In a packed council chambers and following lengthy discussions along with dozens of letters submitted by community members both in support of and opposed to the project, Council narrowly passed the ordinance in a 5-3 vote. Voting against the measure were council members Todd Gordon, Jesse Lowe and Jon Neeper.

The approved legislation authorizes the next phase of right-of-way acquisitions for the more than $6 million safety improvement project. Immediately after council gave the green light, City of Lima officials discussed the next steps.

"We're very grateful that we get to move forward with the safety project, and now, we start the acquisition of the 32 properties, the easements, temporary or permanent. Based on the data that we have, this will reduce any accidents. That means people will go home at night instead of going to the hospital. It will reduce it anywhere from 19 to 47%," says Amy Harpster, Public Works Director, City of Lima.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

The Cable Road Safety Improvement Project details. 

Latham Avenue to Windsor Drive:  A median barrier will be installed. Access to Cable Road from business drives along this section would be right-turn only; no left-turn movements across lanes of traffic would be accessible. Signalized U-turns will be accommodated at each end of the median barrier to allow drivers to access to the opposite side of the roadway.   

• Windsor Drive to College Park Drive:  The 5-lane roadway will be converted to 4 lanes to provide two northbound lanes, one center two-way left turn lane, and one southbound lane. 
• Install Sidewalks: Sidewalks will be installed along the west side of the roadway from the entrance of Clock Tower Plaza (where the existing sidewalk ends) to College Park Drive; and along the east side of the roadway from Latham Avenue to the mid-block pedestrian crossing near the UNOH Indoor Athletic Complex.
• Upgrade traffic signals at the Latham Avenue, Windsor Drive, and College Park West intersections. 
• Reconstruct driveways along the corridor to tie in with the roadway and pedestrian improvements. 
• Install new catch basins and repair storm sewers. 
• Replace the sanitary sewer force main from Latham Avenue to the pump station near an unnamed tributary to Dug Run.

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