Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks, announced a significant boost to roadway safety with $15 million in grant funding. This investment will support critical improvements to road safety and signage across various local cities and townships throughout Ohio.
“The safety of those who travel on Ohio’s roadways will always be a top priority,” said Governor DeWine. “Whether it’s upgrading a major thoroughfare or installing better signage along a small township road, the projects we’re supporting will help local governments maintain and improve the streets their citizens drive on each day.”
Major Funding Through the Small City Grant Program
ODOT is distributing $14,324,280 as part of its Small City Grant Program, which targets cities with populations ranging from 5,000 to 24,999 that are not within metropolitan planning organization boundaries. This funding will go toward nine projects in nine different communities, focusing on converting intersections to roundabouts, improving roadways, and upgrading traffic signals.
Key projects include the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of SR 682 and Armitage/Luhrig Road in Athens, scheduled for 2029, with a $1.5 million budget. The City of Urbana will receive $2 million to replace traffic signals and enhance pedestrian crossings along the US 36/Scioto Street/Miami Street corridor in 2028. In Columbiana, a $1,303,780 project will retrofit the Main Street and Park Avenue intersection from a traffic circle to a single-lane roundabout, enhancing pedestrian safety with new crosswalks and ramps.
Other notable projects include the rehabilitation of major roads in Cambridge, Eaton, and Norwalk, as well as full-depth reconstruction efforts in Kenton and Upper Sandusky. These projects, ranging in cost from $1.3 million to $2 million, will improve road conditions, enhance pedestrian infrastructure, and support long-term traffic safety.
Enhancing Township Signage for Safer Roads
In addition to the Small City Grant Program, ODOT is investing $845,040.42 through the Township Sign Grant Program. This funding will support 38 signage projects in 30 counties, enhancing safety on township-maintained roadways. The grants cover the cost of signs, posts, and necessary hardware, contributing to clearer, more effective traffic management and safer travel conditions.
Counties receiving funding include Champaign, Clermont, Clinton, and many more, with individual projects addressing critical needs for updated road signs and safety enhancements. For instance, Richland Township in Guernsey County will receive $76,226.63, and Muskingum County’s Jackson Township is awarded $71,574.87, highlighting the extensive reach and impact of these investments across the state.
A Commitment to Safer Roads Across Ohio
The funding for the Township Sign Grant Program is part of ODOT’s broader Highway Safety Improvement Program, reflecting a commitment to reducing accidents and enhancing safety on Ohio’s roads. By upgrading outdated signs and improving road infrastructure, these projects aim to create a safer driving environment for all Ohio residents.
The combined efforts of the Small City Grant Program and Township Sign Grant Program showcase Ohio’s dedication to maintaining and improving the state’s roadways. These investments not only enhance road safety but also support local governments in managing and upgrading the critical infrastructure that residents rely on every day.
Governor DeWine’s and ODOT’s ongoing focus on road safety initiatives continues to make Ohio’s streets safer, ensuring that drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike can navigate their communities with greater confidence and security.
