ODOT study underway for West Main intersection; Adams Street roundabout delayed over utility coordination

City staff told the council that a consultant has begun work on an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) study of the West Main Street intersection and that an Adams Street roundabout project has been delayed while utility relocations are coordinated.

Staff reported the contract for the West Main Street study has been signed and the consultant — Structurepoint — has started the analysis, which includes new traffic counts and warrants to compare conditions to ODOT standards. Once the analysis is complete it will be submitted to ODOT for review.

On the Adams Street roundabout, staff said design and bid work encountered coordination issues with utilities and the need to relocate poles. Those coordination needs mean the project will not begin during the upcoming school summer break as previously hoped. Staff said they will meet with school officials next week to discuss alternative traffic management for buses and anticipate the construction will be more likely in late fall or early winter, weather permitting.

Council member Pierce asked whether delaying the Adams Street project until next summer would create funding issues. City staff replied that funding could be affected because the project is an Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) project and they are “looking at all angles” and will return to council if a significant issue arises.

No formal vote was taken on the traffic projects at Monday’s meeting; the council received the status update from staff.