City considers creating two roundabouts in new traffic plan

City of North Ridgeville officials are considering creating two roundabouts with possible help from the city of Avon at the intersections of Lear Nagel and Mills Road, and Chestnut Ridge Road and alternate state Route 83.

Daniel Rodriguez, city engineer of North Ridgeville, said the two intersections suffer from severe traffic congestions during peak hours when motorists go to and come from work.

Rodriguez said he and other officials are in the “early stages” of the plan and looking at proposals to alleviate the traffic issues.

North Ridgeville Mayor G. David Gillock said he is in discussion with Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen on the proposal for the Lear Nagle and Mills Road roundabout because the intersection borders both of cities.

Gillock said Jensen is looking toward a solution, but both cities still are working out details.

The consideration of two roundabouts came from the success of the Mills Road and Route 83 roundabout, also split between the two cities, Gillock said.

“Mills and (Route 83) has been phenomenal since it opened (Oct. 3),” he said. “The only accident was one that tried to allude the police and went the wrong way. There have been no actual accidents there.”

He added how amazing it has been hearing citizens who weren’t for the roundabout support it today.

“People (have been) saying the thought it would never work, but now people love it,” he said. “I’m happy everybody loves it. That’s why it works so well, so, we’re looking at other intersections where we have traffic problems.”

Gillock added that North Ridgeville and Avon have grants toward the Lear Nagle and Mills Road intersection to split costs.

However, Rodriquez said North Ridgeville may have to find a main source of funding for the two intersections if it takes on each project.

“We’re in the pre-stages of each project and seeing if (both cities) will take on the Lear Nagle and Mills Road roundabout together, or if either one will fully be responsible for it,” he said.

The cost for engineering at Lear Nagle and Mills Road would cost about $152,000, Gillock said.

Chestnut Ridge Road and alternate Route 83 is proposed to be around $138,000, he said.

If more plans develop and move forward, Gillock said the issue for both intersections potentially could reach City Council in November.

“People (have been) saying the thought it would never work, but now people love it. I’m happy everybody loves it. That’s why it works so well, so, we’re looking at other intersections where we have traffic problems.”

— North Ridgeville Mayor G. David Gillock on the success of the Mills Road and Route 83 roundabout