Ongoing construction on SOM Center Road, a major route running through Solon and surrounding communities, has changed traffic patterns and the routines of many Solon High School students and staff since late summer. The project is limited to the portion of SOM that runs through Solon and has added extra planning to morning and afternoon commutes for residents.
Senior Anya Evdokimenko, like many students, said the project began affecting her route “pretty much since the start of the school year.” She said that what used to be a simple drive down SOM Center has now turned into a slower, single-lane crawl, no matter which route she takes.
“I used to take SOM Center straight down and then turn into the school,” Evdokimenko said. “But now, I have to cut through side streets to avoid the heavy traffic since it’s all one line now, and even then it’s slow.”
The city began the road rehabilitation project in late summer as part of regular infrastructure maintenance. According to Rick Weikart, from the City of Solon Engineering Department, the project focuses on the rehabilitation of aging pavement and improving long-term road conditions.
“The city regularly reviews the condition of all roads and prioritizes projects that will benefit the public the most,” Weikart said. “It is anticipated that the construction will be over by Nov. 1.”
For many students, however, the short-term change has been more frustrating than expected, with some saying they had had enough of the construction after just one week. The detours have forced students to adjust their routines, most waking up earlier and spending more time on the road. Evdokimenko said her commute now takes an extra five to ten minutes, depending on when she leaves.
“It’s usually bad around 7:35 to 7:40 a.m.,” Evdokimenko said. “Sometimes I just leave earlier than usual, just in case traffic backs up.”
The project has not only impacted student drivers but also bus riders and drivers that take part in morning drop-offs, requiring the district to make changes to reduce congestion on the roads Solon City Schools Communications Director Tamara Strom said.
“We need to be proactive,” Strom said. “Our team got to work right away developing solutions, including rerouting buses, changing traffic patterns in and out of school driveways and preparing comprehensive communication for parents, staff and students.”
The district learned about the project just before it began in June and had to immediately begin preparing for disruptions they would experience with the transportation of students.
The school has sent multiple updates with maps, directions and reminders for families to schedule their mornings accordingly, taking into account the new routes to school.
Strom said communication with the city has been “proactive and collaborative,” although sometimes updates have come on short notice to the bus drivers, depending on construction phases.
“Some drivers have tried to make up time in the parking lots by driving faster than posted speed limits or cutting around other cars,” Strom said. “We’ve addressed these concerns through communication with families and increased monitoring during arrival times.”
Still, most students have adapted to the new traffic patterns. Evdokimenko said that while it’s inconvenient, she and her peers have learned to adjust.
“Nothing crazy,” Evdokimenko said. “Some students are just annoyed at not being able to get in and out as quick, which is fair.”
Weikert said the long-term benefits will put weight the short term frustrations.
“Once the project is complete, drivers can expect smoother, safer roads and restored two-way traffic,” he said.
Evdokimenko said she’s looking forward to the finished product.
“I just hope for smoother roads that are easier to drive on, and no potholes,” Evdokimenko said.
As construction nears completion, Strom said she appreciates the community’s patience.
“The good news is that this project is coming to an end soon,” Strom said. “We’ll all be very glad to see it in our rearview mirror.”
