SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP — A new roundabout located at the intersection of State Route 117 and State Route 501 has officially opened to traffic this week, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The new traffic feature became operational on Wednesday night, marking the end of a construction period that began with the intersection's closure on July 13. ODOT showcased the completed project by sharing a video on its Facebook page on Thursday, depicting trucks and cars navigating the new roundabout.
ODOT deemed the construction of the roundabout necessary due to persistent safety concerns at the intersection. Between 2013 and 2015, the department documented a total of 29 crashes at the location. Nearly half of these incidents, specifically 41%, resulted in injuries to those involved, highlighting a significant risk to motorists.
In response to these safety issues, ODOT implemented several improvements over the years in an effort to mitigate accidents. In 2016, the intersection underwent a realignment. Additionally, turn lanes were added, and intersection lighting was installed to enhance visibility and traffic flow. Despite these measures, the issues continued.
Further efforts to improve safety were made between 2017 and 2018. During this period, ODOT added various warning signs to alert drivers to potential hazards. These included curve warning signs, which were supplemented with speed notices. Larger stop signs were also installed, alongside edge line rumble strips, designed to alert inattentive drivers approaching the intersection. Despite these multiple interventions, accident rates persisted.
A subsequent study conducted in 2022 indicated that crashes were still occurring at the intersection. This later analysis revealed a particular increase in what are known as far-side angle crashes. The study also noted a greater number of severe crashes, underscoring that previous modifications had not fully resolved the safety deficiencies. It was after these findings that the roundabout project, with an estimated cost of $2.4 million, was undertaken to provide a more permanent solution.
The newly opened roundabout is the latest step by ODOT to enhance safety for drivers in Shawnee Township and to address a long-standing issue at the busy junction of State Route 117 and State Route 501.
