US 40 & Kopchak to get Traffic Signal

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – As population increases, so does the need to accommodate the increase in traffic with measures that conform to modern safety standards.

Ohio Department of Transportation District 5 Public Information Officer Chas Cosgrave announced plans for a traffic light installation at the intersection of US 40 and Kopchak Road, out on the west side of Zanesville.

“Currently, we’re in the phase of work where we’re getting everything ready to signalize this intersection,” Cosgrave said. “And that means we’re relocating utilities, we’re getting the foundations ready for the poles, for the traffic signals. We’re doing everything that we can to minimize impacts to traffic here. With a signalization project, there may be momentary lane closures as we install equipment like the lights, the poles, the cabinetry for that. But impacts will be minimal with that project.”

Kopchak Road is a popular corridor to and from South Zanesville and the pole placement and signal light installation at the US 40 intersection, which might impact traffic, is planned for the next construction season. 

“The reason for the addition of the traffic signal here is the same reason we do anything,” Cosgrave said. “First and foremost at ODOT, safety is our main concern. This intersection has demonstrated a pattern of crashes. Most of those crashes involving left turn and angular crashes. Signalization of an intersection is a proven way to mitigate those and improve safety for everyone travelling along this route.”

Cosgrave added that anytime you see roadside construction, of any type, to slow down out of respect for the workers.