Strongsville Signs at I-71 Bridges a Go -- Almost

City officials are hoping to move forward this year with a plan to erect signs on Interstate 71 that will tell passing motorists they are in Strongsville.

The masonry signs reading "Strongsville" would be built in landscaped planting areas on each side of the Royalton Road bridge, with one visible to northbound traffic and the other to southbound.

"I think it will give Strongsville the recognition it deserves as the true crossroads of the nation," Council President Mike Daymut said.

The signs have been in the planning stage for several years.

Economic Development Director Brent Painter  said the plans have been approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation, but local officials aren't happy with the state's requirements for placement.

While the city wanted them placed off the right side of I-71, so passing motorists would see them adjacent to their lane of travel, ODOT said they should go on the left. Northbound motorists, for example, would see the sign if they looked to the left -- across the southbound lanes -- as they approach the Royalton Road bridge.

With a change in state leadership, Painter said Strongsville has asked new ODOT authorities to reconsider.

"ODOT is considering a new request to have the signs where the city wanted them," he said.

Jennifer Milbrandt, the city's coordinator of natural resources, said the state rejected placing the signs on the right side of the road for safety reasons -- the possibility someone could leave the roadway and strike them.

She said the signs will be located in a landscaped area.

"We're hoping to get a grant for the landscaping," Milbrandt said.

The signs will cost about $200,000. The cost will be paid through donations, Milbrandt said.