Lima City Council Advances $6M Cable Road Safety Project After 5–3 Vote

LIMA, OH — Lima City Council voted Monday evening to advance the long-developing Cable Road Improvements Project, approving the next phase of right-of-way acquisition needed to move the project toward construction. The ordinance passed by a 5–3 vote.

The project, which has been in development since 2020, focuses on improving safety along the stretch of Cable Road between Latham Avenue and College Park West — a corridor city officials say has experienced a high number of crashes.

According to data cited by the city, 156 crashes occurred along that section between 2017 and 2021, with 28% resulting in injuries. Officials say left-turn and angle crashes in the corridor exceed statewide averages.

“This project is about safety,” said Mayor Sharetta Smith. “The crash data made it clear that changes were needed.”

What the Project Includes

The Cable Road improvements have gone through multiple stages over several years, including:

  • Traffic and safety study authorized in 2020
  • Expanded engineering analysis in 2022
  • Detailed design services approved in 2023
  • Formal agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
  • Public meetings and comment periods in 2024

City officials say revisions were made to lane configurations and sidewalk plans following community feedback, while maintaining compliance with ODOT safety standards required for funding.

In addition to roadway safety upgrades, the project includes improvements to aging infrastructure such as traffic signals, stormwater systems, and underground utilities.

Funding and Timeline

Approximately $6 million in secured state and federal funding has been allocated to the project.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.


This article is based on a February 23, 2026 press release issued by the City of Lima.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top