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Warrant study finds 10 signals may not meet criteria; council weighs safety vs. federal funding
Summary
Public works presented a signal-warrant study that identified 10 intersections along Marcus Street and Indianola that do not meet warrants and could be removed; council members raised concerns about school crossings and loss of federal CMAQ funding if the city does not follow study results.
Public works presented results of an MS Consultants warrant study required by the CMAQ grant that funded signal improvements along Marcus Street and Indianola. City staff said the study found ten intersections that do not meet signal warrants under the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and are slated for removal; the city has spent more than $600,000 on engineering for the project and is approaching a stage‑3 submittal to ODOT.
Chuck, speaking for public works, told council that federal CMAQ construction funds for the project require following the warrant analysis: "We cannot use any federal money on these intersections if we do not follow the warrants in the study." He said staff double‑checked counts and methodology and that some intersections were tested twice to ensure accuracy. Chuck added that the city would risk losing future federal dollars for signal improvements if it ignored the study's findings.
Several councilmembers pressed staff on pedestrian safety near schools and planned developments. Councilman Oliver cited constituent worries about schoolchildren and residents who fear increased speeding if signals were removed, and Councilwoman Davis and Councilwoman White pointed to nearby schools and daycare centers. White asked for clearer public outreach and for staff to explain why increases and repeated changes occur on projects; staff agreed to community forums and further consultation with ODOT or regional partners.
Council discussed options: leave existing signals in place but forfeit federal repair funds, accept the study and remove or alter signals to meet modern standards, or pursue additional mitigation. Staff estimated intersection repairs cost roughly $120,000 each and emphasized the study used professional traffic-engineering methods. Council scheduled public engagement events and asked staff for a plain-language explanation of what the warrants mean for residents.
The discussion ended without a final policy change; staff said the study is part of an environmental submittal to ODOT and next steps will be guided by funding rules and further outreach.
