ODOT seeks public input for proposed S.R. 274-U.S. 33 roundabout project

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ODOT public involvement video below

This screenshot shows a slide from a recent Ohio Department of Transportation public involvement video posted on YouTube about a proposed roundabout project at U.S. Route 33 and State Route 274. The full video is available below.


The Ohio Department of Transportation is considering the installation of a roundabout at one of Logan County’s more dangerous intersections at State Route 274 and U.S. Route 33.

ODOT is seeking public input and comments about the proposed project until July 31.

The intersection ranks 37th in the state in terms of safety and has been the scene of 18 crashes between 2016-2020, 56 percent of which were injury crashes, according to ODOT records.

A high number of crashes continue to occur at the angled intersection despite various safety measures being implemented over the years such as left-hand turn lanes and improved traffic signage.

Susan K. Storms, 75, of Ligonier, Ind., died May 3 from injuries she sustained in an April 27 crash involving a U-Haul and a sport utility vehicle at the intersection, as previously reported in the Examiner.

A roundabout is ODOT’s “current preferred alternative” to make the intersection safer, after costlier and less safe options such as a possible traffic signal, intersection realignment with turn lanes and an S.R. 274 overpass were considered.

ODOT’s cost-benefit analysis shows the cost savings from an anticipated 52 percent reduction in overall crashes (88 percent less injury crashes) with the installation of a roundabout will outweigh the cost of its construction.

After the public comment period ends July 31, the anticipated project schedule would continue its design phase from March 2024 to October 2025, awarding of the project in April 2026 and construction from April-October 2026.

Traffic detours and weekend road closures in the area during the construction phase are expected to last at least 90 days.

Public comments about the project may be made by phone, U.S. Mail, email, at ODOT’s website, www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects or by scanning the QR Code in the image below.

Screenshot

Contact Amy Havenar, ODOT project manager, at (937) 497-6756 or at [email protected] or Tricia Bishop, environmental coordinator, at (937) 497-6721, Tricia.Bishop.dot.ohio.gov.

U.S. Mail may be sent to: ODOT District 7, 1001 St. Marys Ave., Sidney, OH 45365.

Please include “US 33 at SR 274” or “PID 118109” in your correspondence.

Watch ODOT video below