Just over 100 people showed up at Buckeye Career Center Tuesday to learn about and provide feedback on ODOT’s plans for a major reconfiguration of the I-77-U.S. 250-State Route 39 intersection in New Philadelphia.
ODOT Public Information Officer Lauren Borrell says many agreed there is a need for change, but not all were fans of the details particularly the addition of roundabouts. The plan, still in the conceptual stage, has nine locations for improvements.
It calls for direct ramps between 77 and 250 with a pair of roundabouts on state Route 39 at Blue Bell Drive and at the I-77 ramps on the other side of the 39 bridges over the Tuscarawas River. Borrell says roundabouts are a tough sell, but officials believe they are far safer than traditional intersections.
Residents can continue to share feedback on the proposal on ODOT’s website and links through their social media page.
ODOT will use the feedback to streamline the proposal before hosting another open house, likely in March. After that, officials will start looking for funding opportunities.
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