The Utility Safety and Environment Committee on Oct. 8 approved an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to carry out a road diet on Oberlin‑Elyria Road, converting four travel lanes to three, adding bike lanes and installing pedestrian rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs).

Engineer Schneider summarized the project: "This will convert the existing 4 lane road to 3 lanes with bike paths on outside and eliminate the traffic light at West Avenue," making West Avenue a two‑way stop and improving the line of sight through a slight curve at the intersection. He said RRFBs will be installed "to assist with people crossing the road."

Committee members asked about the RRFB placement, sidewalk extensions and the survey that determined the traffic signal was no longer warranted. Schneider said the plans move the crosswalk to make pedestrian crossings perpendicular and that sidewalks will be extended where needed. He said the traffic study that found the signal not warranted began about a year earlier.

The project is funded through NOACA (Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency) at 80% with the city responsible for the remaining 20%. The committee read an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into the ODOT agreement, requested an emergency clause and approved the measure; the motion was moved by Mr. Oswald and seconded by Mr. Armstrong.

Schneider said the city previously circulated flyers about the project months earlier. No final construction contract or detailed timeline was approved at the meeting; the action authorized the municipal agreement with ODOT and funding allocation.