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Media
Advisory
For Immediate Release:
December 1, 2009
Contact: Dean C. Ringle
(614) 462-3043
Low-Cost
Interim Improvements to be Implemented at Olentangy River Road and Linworth Road
Intersection
Franklin
County, Ohio
--- Dean C. Ringle
, P.E., P.S., Franklin County Engineer, announces that low-cost interim
improvements to the
Olentangy River Road
and Linworth Road Intersection will be made starting this month, weather
permitting. The work will be done as recommended by an independent safety study
organized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the request of
Franklin
County.
“The FHWA assessment was recently conducted by the
Iowa State University Institute for Transportation to determine the best options
for improving the Olentangy River Road
and Linworth Road
intersection,” said Dean Ringle. “We agree with their conclusions for the
implementation of interim and future long-term solutions for resolving traffic
safety and mobility issues.”
Interim improvements, which can be done at an
inexpensive cost by county engineer highway maintenance personnel, involve the
upgrade of existing traffic control signage and pavement markings, installation
of street lighting, and the trimming of trees and shrubs to extend motorist
sight distances.
Long-term improvements could involve the
reconfiguration of the current y-shaped intersection as a modern roundabout.
The safety study indicated that this design would be more effective in
reducing serious crashes and rush-hour congestion than a traditional signalized
intersection.
“The eventual implementation of the long-term
option would be based on our assessment of the success of the interim
improvements,” said Dean Ringle. “We have participated in five public
meetings about the intersection since August 2008, and we want to satisfy the
expectations of all those who attended. Public opinion generally favored
low-cost adjustments.”
The Ohio Department of Transportation had previously
approved the use of road safety funds for a modern roundabout design at the Olentangy River Road
and Linworth Road
intersection based upon a safety study conducted in 2007. Since that time,
however, a drop in crash rates has caused the proposed roundabout plan to be
reevaluated.
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