North Royalton Plans to Flatten Steep Hill on Ohio 82 Widening Project

The $15 million second phase of the Ohio 82 widening project may include flattening a steep hill between York and Ridge roads.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The second phase of the Ohio 82 widening project in North Royalton, Ohio, which recently received $4 million in federal funds, may include flattening a steep hill between York and Ridge roads. The project will also replace road pavement, add lanes, and improve traffic signals and sidewalks along the 1-mile stretch. While construction is still years away, the city hopes to secure additional outside funding to cover 80% of the costs, similar to the first phase of the widening project.

Why it matters

The steep hill on Ohio 82 has posed safety concerns, with some cars struggling to make it up the incline, especially in icy conditions, while others speed down the hill. Flattening the hill could help improve traffic flow and safety along this busy corridor.

The details

The second phase of the Ohio 82 widening project will cover slightly more than 1 mile between York and Ridge roads. In addition to flattening the steep hill, the project will replace road pavement and curbs, add lanes in some areas, and construct new sidewalks. It will also involve replacing and improving traffic lights, poles, walk signals, and signs, and synchronizing the signals to move traffic more efficiently.

  • The second phase of the 82 widening project is years away, with design and traffic studies taking a couple of years before a contractor is hired for construction.
  • The city recently received $4 million in federal funds for the second phase through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, signed by President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026.

The players

Tom Jordan

North Royalton's community development director.

Mark Schmitzer

North Royalton's city engineer in 2018.

DiGioia-Suburban Excavating LLC

The construction contractor for the first phase of the Ohio 82 widening project.

Max Miller

U.S. Representative for Ohio's 7th congressional district, who co-sponsored the bill that provided the $4 million in federal funds for the second phase.

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What they’re saying

“Just a few feet of change in the grade can make a big difference.”

— Tom Jordan, North Royalton's community development director (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This project highlights the ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and safety along the busy Ohio 82 corridor in North Royalton, with the potential flattening of a steep hill being a key component of the second phase of the widening project.