PROCTORVILLE - Progress is often painful, and motorists in the eastern end of the county will tell you that frequently, progress is giving them a headache.

The Lawrence County Commission Thursday approved a resolution asking for better communication from Ohio Department of Transportation District Nine officials and contractors performing road work in the Rome

Township-Proctorville area and the traveling public regarding lane closures and restrictions.

Work continues on the creation of a third lane in Chesapeake and on Phase 1B of the Tri-State Metro Outer Belt. Traffic is often restricted in the construction areas, and this causes heavy traffic congestion.

In proposing the resolution, Commissioner Jason Stephens said he would like to see those who are doing the work make more of an effort to inform motorists when they plan lane restrictions so drivers can make plans to avoid the construction areas. Stephens said he would also like

to see

workers avoid having lane restrictions during peak rush hours.

"If you need to shut down one lane, don't do it at 3 o'clock in the afternoon when school lets out," Stephens said. "It took my dad an hour to get out of the office (parking lot), to Firstar Bank and back. I went to church last night and half of the people didn't show up until 7:30."

ODOT spokeswoman Kathleen Fuller was not available for comment. Joe Rose, of Tab Construction, was also not available for comment.

Tab Construction of Canton is the general contractor for the $4.46 million State Route 7 widening project. That project that includes the addition of a center turn lane and the installation of a new storm system, curb, gutter, sidewalk and traffic control devices for the widening of 1.33 miles of roadway.

Phase 1B of the project formerly known as the Chesapeake bypass calls for the extension of the route from the intersection of state routes 7 and 775 to State Route 7, just beyond Fairland East Elementary. Kentucky-based Elmo Greer and Sons is the general contractor for that project.