Lima, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 has wrapped up its public involvement process for three proposed roundabouts and is moving forward with detailed design work. Each of the intersections has secured funding through Ohio’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which targets projects that can make the greatest impact in reducing serious and fatal crashes.
“We are excited to move these projects forward. Roundabouts have proven to be effective at our rural intersections,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. “Where we have built them in Allen and Van Wert counties, there have been zero fatal crashes, injury crashes are down 72% and crashes overall are down 36%.”
ODOT emphasized that roundabouts reduce crash severity by lowering speeds and minimizing conflict points, making them an increasingly preferred solution for high-crash rural intersections.
Selected Roundabout Designs and Construction Timelines
State Route 15 and State Route 18, Noble Township, Defiance County
A three-leg, single-lane roundabout will be built at this location, which also includes a realignment of Stever Road northwest of the intersection. The chosen design reduces costs and minimizes right-of-way impacts compared to a four-leg option. Construction is scheduled for Fall 2027.
Project details: transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/121294
Contact: Anna Watkins, [email protected] or 419-999-6914
State Route 67 and State Route 235, Roundhead Township, Hardin County
This site will feature a centered, circular, single-lane roundabout. The design was selected for its safety benefits and relatively lower cost. Construction is tentatively set for Fall 2028.
Project details: transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/121970
Contact: Robert Mooney, [email protected] or 419-999-6987
State Route 118 and Wren-Landeck Road, Liberty Township, Van Wert County
A single-lane roundabout positioned northeast of the existing intersection will be constructed. This layout improves entry angles and balances the impacts on residential and agricultural properties. Construction is targeted for 2028.
Project details: transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/120693
Contact: Morgan Gerdeman, [email protected] or 419-999-6869
Public Concerns and ODOT Responses
The public comment period revealed divided opinions, with about half of respondents supporting the projects. Among the most common concerns:
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Roundabout Size: Residents questioned whether the roundabouts could accommodate large trucks and farm equipment. ODOT confirmed the dimensions will be similar to those in Allen and Van Wert counties, where such vehicles navigate effectively.
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Traffic Signals: Some suggested signals as an alternative. ODOT explained that while signals can reduce certain crash types, they often increase others and are more effective in high-volume areas prone to gridlock. Roundabouts, by contrast, reduce severe crashes while maintaining traffic flow.
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Navigation Applications: Concerns were raised that routing apps could funnel excess traffic onto rural roads. ODOT said it will continue working with mapping services to reduce community impacts.
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Cost: Questions about funding were also raised. ODOT clarified that funds are reserved specifically for rural high-crash locations and that crash data drives project prioritization.
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Ease of Navigation: Some worry that roundabouts are confusing. ODOT noted that single-lane roundabouts are simple, requiring only that drivers yield to vehicles already in the circle. More information is available at transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/basics/roundabouts.
With public input addressed and layouts finalized, the three projects will move into detailed design ahead of construction between 2027 and 2028. ODOT leaders emphasized that the investment in roundabouts is backed by data and a commitment to safety.
By addressing community concerns while advancing proven design solutions, ODOT aims to deliver safer intersections that will save lives, reduce serious crashes, and provide smoother travel for residents across Defiance, Hardin, and Van Wert counties.
