Speaking

To identify a preferred solution for current and future mobility and safety, a comprehensive corridor planning study was performed for the City of Green, Ohio. Problems to be addressed were intersection capacity, intersection safety, and safety related to left turns into and out of the many driveways located along Massillon Road. The study especially emphasized the lack of appropriate facilities to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists.

B&N developed and facilitated a planning process, performed technical analysis on current conditions and alternatives and led a public and stakeholder involvement process that included three public meetings, website engagement, small group meetings with key stakeholders and multiple City Council work sessions.

Three roundabouts were selected to be part of the solution and were the key to the transfiguration of the character, safety and operation of this central corridor in the City of Green. The implementation of roundabouts and corridor-wide access management with a continuous median was a concern for some stakeholders. To gain buy-in, B&N utilized graphics and videos to illustrate the benefits of the proposed corridor operation.

The solution created a four-lane road with three multi-lane roundabouts, bike and pedestrian accommodations and access management throughout the corridor to create a more holistic, complete streets approach. This corridor was transformed from a congested, difficult to access and unattractive two-lane road with high crash occurrences to one that is significantly safer, highly attractive, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly, efficient and positioned for future growth.

The road can now accommodate nearly twice its previous traffic load with roundabouts used to maintain traffic flow as more vehicles traverse the route. The Massillon Road Improvements project is an excellent example of how communities can benefit from taking a holistic view of an entire corridor to address multiple needs. The presentation will summarize the story of a very successful Massillon Road Improvements project and share striking before and after aerial photographs.