Tue Feb 09 2010
By LISA NICELY
ANTWERP -- How will downtown Antwerp be once the western segment of the new U.S. 24 project is complete?
"Quieter," answered Tessa Gonzalez of Antwerp.
U.S. 24 intersects Ohio 49 in downtown Antwerp now -- bringing with it semi traffic day and night and traffic congestion. But when the new U.S. 24 opens to motorists Thursday, the federal highway will bypass the Paulding County town -- taking the semi traffic with it.
The heavy traffic has been a big safety and noise concern in town for years.
"I think it will be quiet and a bit of a relief without as many semis (downtown)," said Carla Gaisford of Carla's Cut & Curl.
"It will be quite different without the semis," said Joyce Cheek. "We'll be able to go downtown better."
"You'll be able to have the windows open and have a conversation where you can hear everybody," added Marsha Cross.
Gaisford said she believes the village may see more local traffic downtown once the new U.S. 24 section opens.
"A lot of local traffic goes around 24," she noted.
Anita Friend of Friend's Furniture said she's looking forward to less truck traffic downtown.
"I'm anxious to get the trucks out of town since the kids can't get across 24 now," she said. "People will be able to get around town now."
Friend commented it is possible that some local businesses may be affected by the change.
"But most of us don't deal with traveling customers," she said. "This is either a destination or a blot on a travel book to get through."
Paula Lichty, owner of Keystone Salon, said she doesn't think the U.S. 24 change will affect her business at all.
One resident said she's really not sure how things will be for businesses.
"Everything will go around us," she said.
While the new U.S. 24 route will take traffic around downtown, motorists will be traveling near Country Time Market, north on Ohio 49, starting on Thursday.
"We think the business will pick up," said Calynn Bassett, noting the market had already experienced an increase in customers because of the construction crews.
Resident Tom Trauterman is hoping more businesses move to town because of the Fort to Port project.
"I think we'll get some good businesses," he said. "Maybe a garage or a big truck stop. It's hard to tell."
Trauterman is happy, however, that it will be more quiet downtown.
"I think it's great to get traffic off the road," he said.
Jim Donnell agreed.
"I'm glad to get the congestion out of town," he said. "Everything's so congested there now. It will make it easier to go to Indiana, but not yet. Going east will be easier. There's going to be congestion on (Indiana) 101 though.
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