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Franklin County Engineer

As a local public works agency headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Engineer's Office is responsible for the maintenance and construction of 271 miles of county roadway and 351 county bridges, as well as upkeep of all county ditches, drains, retention basins, and other storm water facilities within the right-of-way of county roads in unincorporated areas. To meet the continuing development and infrastructure needs of Franklin County, the Engineer's Office utilizes the latest technologies for determining and maintaining roadway centerlines and boundaries; retracing and setting new monuments for original public land surveys; preparing geographic information system mapping for real estate tax assessments; and establishing precise countywide horizontal and vertical control to maintain uniformity in construction, surveying, and mapping.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Alton & Darby Creek Road 1.88 over Clover Groff Run Improvement Project is making progress! Thanks to our contractor, J & J Schlaegel, Inc., for working hard on this project. Check back soon for updates.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Our Bridge Maintenance crews did an excellent job waterproofing the newly installed box culverts on the Schleppi Road 0.60 over Bevelhymer Ditch project. Check back soon for updates.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Box culverts have been installed on the Brand Road 1.82 over Bishop Ditch project. The next step will be to waterproof the boxes. Check back soon for updates.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Demorest Road, north of the Alkire Road roundabout is under construction due to a storm sewer replacement project. The intersection of Alkire Road at Demorest Road (Phase 2) is now closed. The closure is expected to last approximately twenty (20) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Reese Road Bridge over Big Walnut Creek Bridge Replacement project is underway. Check back soon for updates.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Demorest Road, north of the Alkire Road roundabout, is currently closed for storm sewer replacement. Phase 2 of the closure, the intersection of Alkire Road at Demorest Road, will begin July 23, 2024 and is expected to last approximately twenty (20) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer's Office
970 DUBLIN ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
(614) 525-3030
fracoeng@franklincountyengineer.org
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Roundabouts

Roundabouts

We want everyone to feel confident, be secure, and to “keep in the loop” with their safe driving practices as they travel modern roundabouts.

To help the public become more familiar with how to drive a roundabout, we’ve created this user guide that shows the various traffic patterns, rules, and general instructions that we hope everyone will follow.

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What is a modern roundabout?

It is a one-way circular intersection with yield control of all entering traffic. Vehicles circulate counter-clockwise at speeds around 20 M.P.H. The lane use is very similar to a typical four-way intersection except for a slight circular adjustment.

Seven rules for safely driving roundabouts:
  • Slow down
  • Get in the correct lane before entering the roundabout:
    • Use the right lane for turning right or going straight (same as a conventional intersection).
    • Use the left lane for going straight or turning left (same as a conventional intersection).
    • Use the left lane to make a U turn.
  • Look for and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk before entering the roundabout.
  • Yield to all circulating traffic when entering the roundabout. Even if there are two lanes in the roundabout, yield to both.
  • Drive counter-clockwise, following the one-way traffic pattern.
  • Do not change lanes within the roundabout.
  • Look for and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk upon exiting the roundabout.
Why build a modern roundabout instead of a typical intersection?

Modern roundabouts are safer than traditional intersections, which have more conflict points and operate at higher speeds.

Studies have shown that roundabouts provide nearly an 80 percent reduction in injury accidents since the circular layout dramatically reduces the likeliness of head-on or broadside collisions.

What are some of the other benefits of modern roundabouts?
  • Traffic from all directions is slowed down to the same speed, giving motorists more time to judge and react to traffic.
  • Shorter and better-planned crosswalks are located away from the busy intersection.
  • There is a reduction in pollution and fuel use since there is less idle time for motorists.
  • Slower speeds and fewer stops and starts result in less traffic noise.
  • There are no expensive traffic signals to install or maintain.