Construction on the Fort Amanda Road and Shawnee Road roundabout in 2015. The Ohio Department of Transportation announced Friday over $121 million for the construction of new roundabouts throughout the state, including at the intersection of state Route 501 and state Route 117.
LIMA — Governor Mike DeWine has announced the launch of 50 new traffic projects in the State of Ohio. DeWine has partnered with the Ohio Department of Transportation to invest $121 million.
According to a recent press release, the investment will include the installation of two dozen roundabouts in different counties.
Roundabouts are circular intersections that create a flow of traffic around an island. ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks weighed in on the new roundabouts in the press release.
“Roundabouts save lives. They reduce severe crashes, move traffic more efficiently, and are cheaper to maintain than signalized intersections,” said Marchbanks.
Locally, Allen and Auglaize Counties will be recipients of the new project.
On State Route 117 in Allen County, a roundabout will be created at State Route 501 in Shawnee Township. The region was chosen due to the rate of severe crashes. The hope of the roundabout is to create safer driving on the roads. The project will cost around $3.5 million.
On State Route 81 in Allen County, a roundabout will be constructed at Thayer Road in Bath Township. The project will cost around $2.5 million.
New road construction will be created on County Road 93 in Allen County. A road diet, improved signals, medians and sidewalks will be created on Cable Road from Latham Ave. to College Park. The goal of this project is to address pedestrian safety. The estimated cost of this project is $4.5 million.
In Auglaize County, US Route 33 and Interstate 75 will receive new upgrades. ODOT plans to implement upgrades that will improve safety. The improvements include a possible roundabout at the northbound ramp. The project will cost around $4.7 million.
Governor Mike DeWine weighed in on the projects in the press release.
“A top priority of my administration has been making travel in our state safer – particularly at Ohio intersections that are known to be dangerous,” said Governor DeWine. “Studies show that roundabouts significantly reduce the likelihood of serious or deadly intersection crashes, so we’re investing in these projects today to save lives in the future.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
