CLARK COUNTY -- The Ohio
Department of Transportation brands it Clark Countyâs âmost dangerous
intersection" because State Route 235 at 41 is the scene of multiple
serious and often fatal wrecks, every year. The state says a $1.5
million roundabout will save lives. But many taxpayers say the proposed
project is a dead end to wasteful spending.
ODOT says it has tried to make the intersection safer by installing stop lights but that hasn't worked. Now they want to put in a roundabout, however a lot of residents believe that's just a waste of money.
For rural roads, S.R. 235 and S.R. 41 near New Carlisle get a decent amount of traffic. Most drivers take full advantage of the 55 mph speed limit. Many go much faster.
âIf I wouldn't have been paying attention, I wouldnât be here,â said Robert Sigler who lives near the intersection.
The lives lost at the intersection are marked by somber crosses staked nearby. Itâs a visual reminder that itâs the most deadly intersection in Clark County. ODOT hopes the roundabout will reduce that startling statistic by forcing drivers to slow down.
âThe drivers are just moving along and they just seem to get distracted,â said Randy Chevalley with ODOT.
But many of these folks think a roundabout would be too confusing, and cause even more accidents and traffic tie-ups. Some people say rumble strips and flashing stop lights are the cheaper and more effective solution.
âI think it's irresponsible. I think the money could be better spent elsewhere,â Chad Cadwell of New Carlisle said.
If it saves lives, it's worth the money,â said Larry Reiker, who lives 100 yards away from the intersection.
ODOT will be accepting public comment for another month. They'll make a decision about whether to rip out the traffic lights and install a roundabout in the spring of 2013. If they decide to move forward with the project, construction would begin in 2014.
ODOT says it has tried to make the intersection safer by installing stop lights but that hasn't worked. Now they want to put in a roundabout, however a lot of residents believe that's just a waste of money.
For rural roads, S.R. 235 and S.R. 41 near New Carlisle get a decent amount of traffic. Most drivers take full advantage of the 55 mph speed limit. Many go much faster.
âIf I wouldn't have been paying attention, I wouldnât be here,â said Robert Sigler who lives near the intersection.
The lives lost at the intersection are marked by somber crosses staked nearby. Itâs a visual reminder that itâs the most deadly intersection in Clark County. ODOT hopes the roundabout will reduce that startling statistic by forcing drivers to slow down.
âThe drivers are just moving along and they just seem to get distracted,â said Randy Chevalley with ODOT.
But many of these folks think a roundabout would be too confusing, and cause even more accidents and traffic tie-ups. Some people say rumble strips and flashing stop lights are the cheaper and more effective solution.
âI think it's irresponsible. I think the money could be better spent elsewhere,â Chad Cadwell of New Carlisle said.
If it saves lives, it's worth the money,â said Larry Reiker, who lives 100 yards away from the intersection.
ODOT will be accepting public comment for another month. They'll make a decision about whether to rip out the traffic lights and install a roundabout in the spring of 2013. If they decide to move forward with the project, construction would begin in 2014.