Rittman roundabout: ODOT seeks public input about Wadsworth, Easton roads intersection
Bryce Buyakie- The Ohio Department Transportation wants to install a roundabout at Wadsworth and Easton roads, just south of Rittman.
- The roughly $2.5 million project will be paid for by ODOT.
- Before construction can begin, ODOT needs public input regarding the proposed project.
MILTON TWP. ― The Ohio Department of Transportation is looking for public input on a proposed roundabout at state routes 57 and 604, just south of Rittman.
The project would convert the two-way stop at Wadsworth and Easton roads into a single-lane roundabout to improve safety, according to ODOT.
Navigating roundabouts:New roundabouts open in Wooster & Ashland. Here's how to navigate the growing trend
With a price tag of roughly $2.5 million, ODOT will fund the project via its Highway Safety Program.
To submit questions, comments or concerns, visit the project page on ODOT's website. The deadline for submission is June 26.
High rate of accidents
The intersection ranks 36th on ODOT District 3's Intersection Crash Priority list, which covers Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Lorain, Medina, Richland and Wayne counties.
More than 90% of the crashes between 2017 and 2019 were caused by vehicles failing to yield before entering the intersection, according to the project fact sheet.
Despite some low-cost measures being installed, including "Stop Ahead" signs, crashes continue to occur.
A roundabout would reduce the number of conflict points in the intersection where accidents are likely to occur.
Road safety:Buggy, bikes lanes, new trails sought for Wayne, Holmes counties
What to expect if construction proceeds
Once the design process is done and public feedback is concluded, construction is slated to begin in 2024 and last through 2025, according to ODOT.
Full and partial closures of the intersection are expected during construction, so detour signs will be posted in the area.
The planned detour for state Route 67 will take northbound traffic down state Route 585 to state Route 94 and Interstate Route 76 back to state Route 57, according to ODOT.
The reverse will take drivers south on state Route 94.
State Route 604 detour has eastbound drives taking state Route 3 north to eastbound Interstate Route 76 and then south on state Route 94. Drivers will take then take state Route 585 south back to state Route 604.
The reverse will take drivers west along state Route 604.