Signalization still being monitored, tweaked by ODOT

Waterline installation, repaving project complete, JEDD Board reports

If it’s not one thing, it’s another, right? After suffering the lengthy construction overlap during the Auburn-Crile Road intersection road improvement project, which began in August 2015, and all its succeeding traffic congestion, the project, which also included the extension of Capital Parkway from Auburn Road, crossing Route 44 and over to Crile Road, wrapped up last December — for the most part.

As part of the initial phase, Route 44 was improved with a new intersection and traffic signalization. Crile Road was relocated to accommodate the road extension. A roundabout also was constructed at Auburn Road and Capital Parkway.

The second phase of the roadwork established a new configuration of the intersection at Auburn and Crile roads at Route 44. But recent assessments have found an issue with the lack of a turn arrow signal, which has signalization still being monitored by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

During a C onc ordPainesv ille Joint Eco - nomic Development District meeting on Nov. 17, Concord Township Trustee Chris Galloway spoke to the issue, describing it as a bit more than punch-list work.

“This week, we’ve had good flow,” he said. “ODOT did put in new computer board software, the big stainless steel boxes you see. They have been tweaking that and it’s improved efficiency.

“There is still some work that’s going to have to be done at Capital. The length of those lights is extreme. When you’re sitting there at midnight on Crile Road waiting and waiting, you do get tempted to cut over. So, they know that needs to be corrected as well.”

Another issue, Galloway pointed out, has been manifest since the southbound 44 lane was designed and modeled.

“It did not meet ODOT’s standards in terms of traffic volume to justify a left arrow to go east on Capital and 44 South,” he added. “They put in a left turn lane, but didn’t put in an interim (traffic control device). And you know how ODOT works, unless it meets the number in terms of the modeling and the projections and the traffic, they don’t do it.”

Galloway said the township has asked ODOT to reexamine the situation.

“They told us they would a year after the interchange was done, so we’re hoping to get them to realize it’s justified and have a left-hand arrow put in.

“Concord will keep pursuing ODOT to improve signalization timing and turn lane optimization at 44 and Auburn and 44 and Capital. It’s important that traffic patterns and flow be constantly monitored and changes made as needed to reduce backups and delays.”

In other news, Galloway also mentioned to JEDD members that the connector project’s waterline installation and repaving project on Auburn Road is complete.

“The waterline expansion is critical for future economic development,” he said. “It feeds the whole corridor. Volume, volume, volume. I mean, someone’s going to turn on a faucet. It provides for the future.”