The first phase of the Summit Street: Building a Better Way Improvement Project is almost complete. Work began nearly a year ago on the stretch of Summit Street from Fraternity Circle to just past Loop Road, and that section of the road is expected to be finished by mid-November. 
The segment of the project being completed this year has many new features to make the road safer for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Some of the notable new features are:
- A new traffic signal at Loop Road that has more capabilities to move traffic more efficiently
- A sidewalk from Fraternity Circle to Whitehall Boulevard, where there previously was none
- Roadway lighting
- Bike lanes
Another new feature of the first phase of the two-year project is the addition of a roundabout at Ted Boyd Drive/Johnston Drive. While roundabouts have been in the region for several years, this one incorporates significant pedestrian crossings as well as bike lanes. A video is available to explain how to navigate a roundabout, whether you are in a car, on a bike or walking.
Summit Street will return to regular, two-way traffic throughout the construction zone in mid-November. The contractor will continue working on utilities and other items throughout the winter.
The second phase of the Summit Street Improvement project will begin in March and will make improvements to the roadway between Fraternity Circle and Lincoln Street. The entire project is expected to be completed by late fall 2017.
Updates about the project, which is being managed by the city of Kent, are always available at www.kent.edu/summitstreet.