Holmes commissioners meet with ODOT to discuss roundabouts

The debate about a roundabout versus a turn lane and light continues to take place between the Holmes County commissioners and Ohio Department of Transportation officials.

What could have been a contentious meeting between the Holmes County commissioners and the members of the Ohio Department of Transportation concerning what type of traffic flow system should be placed at the intersection of state Route 557 and state Routes 39/62 instead became a productive meeting of the minds, according to Holmes County commissioner Dave Hall, who along with commissioner Joe Miller met with ODOT officials to further discuss their thoughts on what type of plan should be implemented there.

The two groups met Wednesday, Jan. 10, and after ODOT presented its plans for a roundabout, the commissioners presented their case why a light and turn lane would produce better results.

“It was a very healthy, productive meeting,” Hall said. “They presented their plan, along with the benefits of a roundabout, and we showed what we believe is the right thing to do and what we’re willing to do, and we had plenty of healthy discussion.”

In addition, the commissioners also brought up ideas about several other dangerous intersections in the county where roundabouts made better sense, including the location at the intersection of state Route 83 and 62, south of Millersburg, where there have been many accidents in the past.

Hall said the commissioners would be more in favor of placing roundabouts at those intersections but believe the traffic flow and mix of buggies and bicycles could create a more dangerous scenario for collisions at state Route 557.

“We had a good chance to express our opinions and what we desire, as well as the thoughts of the general public,” Hall said. “I think we’re getting there because both sides are willing to sit down and discuss the issue.”

The commissioners believe a roundabout at the state Route 557 intersection would create a dangerous scenario for Amish buggies and bicycles while one concern from ODOT is the short line of sight for vehicles traveling eastbound on state Route 39/62. In addition, the commissioners believe a roundabout could cause issues with the intersection of state Routes 39/62 and County Road 201, which is only a couple hundred feet to the east.

Hall said ODOT’s engineer was there and listened intently. Hall said both sides were cordial and accepting of the different ideas being presented.

“If the roundabout is the end result, we’re probably going to let them do it, but I don’t think it has to be the end result,” Miller said. “We want what is going to be best for those traveling in our community and using those routes, and we believe that is placing a light and turn lane in there. We think the light and turning lane as well as a turning lane on County Road 201 are more beneficial.”

Hall said the commissioners left the meeting feeling good about their voice being heard, and they expect to set up another meeting with ODOT officials, this time possibly in Millersburg as part of a community meeting.

“I feel confident that we’ll come together for the right solution,” Hall said. “I’m just telling people to stay tuned because there will be more discussion in the future.”

Should the roundabout eventually be put into play, it could be several years before that construction would take place. Hall said adding a stoplight and turn lane would come to fruition much quicker.

“We want to see on paper what our presentation looks like,” Hall said. “It’s important that we see all sides and look at every option available to us. We just feel the light and turn lane would be more cost effective and safer.”

He said a portion of the discussion centered around the successful implementation of the light and turn lane at Finney’s Gas Station at the intersection of state Route 39 and state Route 60, just west of West Holmes High School.

Hall said accidents have decreased immensely there since the creation of that intersection light.

“The success there speaks volumes, which is why we’re promoting the turn lane and light idea,” Hall said.

He said while there, the two parties also discussed the possibility of creating bicycle lanes along the county’s highways because of the population of bicyclers including many e-bike riders.