By 1812Blockhouse
A once-dangerous intersection in Richland County has seen a dramatic drop in crashes and injuries following the construction of a single-lane roundabout, according to a recent story shared by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Thanks to funding from ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), the intersection of E. Cook Road/S. Illinois Avenue and Mansfield-Lucas Road in Madison Township is now safer and more efficient.
A High-Risk Intersection Identified
In 2018, a Richland County Planning Commission study ranked the intersection as the sixth worst in the county overall and the most dangerous under county jurisdiction. Between 2015 and 2018, there were 21 crashes at the two-way stop-controlled intersection—15 of which resulted in injuries. With an average of five crashes per year, it became evident that safety improvements were necessary.
Recognizing the urgency, the Richland County Engineer’s Office sought funding to address the issue, applying for ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program—a statewide initiative designed to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.
Funding and Construction: A Collaborative Effort
The county secured $1.2 million in ODOT safety funds, covering the majority of the $1.3 million total construction cost. This funding allowed for the construction of a single-lane roundabout, a design proven to improve traffic safety and reduce severe accidents.
According to Richland County Engineer Adam M. Gove, P.E., P.S., the ODOT-administered safety funds made a significant difference:
“The ability for the County to utilize the LPA (Local Public Agencies) process, and Safety Funds administered by ODOT, made the improvement to this dangerous intersection a reality in a timely manner. Without this program, the County would have had to delay this project until other funding could be obtained.”
Construction on the roundabout began in 2022, and by August of that year, the intersection was fully operational.
A Safer and More Efficient Intersection
The results of the project have been overwhelmingly positive. In the two years since its opening, crashes have decreased by 40%, with an average of only three per year. More importantly, there have been zero injury-related crashes.
Engineer Adam Gove emphasized the benefits of the roundabout, particularly given its straightforward design:
“While only the second roundabout in Richland County, the simple design of a single lane roundabout has proven effective in reducing crashes and injuries, while maintaining the efficiency of this busy intersection.”
Roundabouts have been increasingly utilized in Ohio and across the country as an effective traffic control solution. Unlike traditional intersections with traffic signals or stop signs, roundabouts force vehicles to slow down, reducing both the severity and frequency of collisions.
Looking Ahead: Continued Traffic Safety Improvements
Richland County’s success in reducing crashes at this intersection is a testament to the effectiveness of proactive planning, data-driven safety improvements, and strategic funding partnerships. As ODOT and local governments continue to prioritize traffic safety, roundabouts may become more common in areas where accident reduction is a priority.
The transformation of the E. Cook Road/S. Illinois Avenue and Mansfield-Lucas Road intersection highlights how collaborative efforts can turn a high-risk area into a safer roadway for all drivers.
Image: DALL-E 3