Traffic issues have commissioners seek relief from lawmakers - what's going on?

MILLERSBURG − Holmes County Commissioners asked local state legislators for help in trying to speed up the process of getting the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to address the traffic congestion at the intersection of state Routes 557 and 39/U.S Route 62, about a mile west of Berlin.

ODOT approved funding for the project, but not until 2027. County officials feel the problem can't wait that long to be addressed. They are hoping for help from state Sen. Andrew Brenner and state Rep. Darrell Kick.

The state lawmakers heard from Holmes County commissioners Monday about their concerns with the traffic problem created by the high volume of tourists near Berlin.

Commissioner Joe Miller pointed out the intersection at state Routes 557 and 39 is a mess, and ODOT has agreed to fund a project, but it won't happen for five years.

"The (ODOT) engineer is willing to put some money in, and we're willing to help out. It needs to be fixed," he said. "What can we do to speed those things up? We love having the traffic. The problem is, when you don't have a light up there, and you're sitting there, and you don't know when you're turn is going to come. And you've got to dart into traffic."

Five-year wait is too long

Commissioner Dave Hall noted a county that is growing fast with travel and tourism like Holmes County cannot wait five years for something that already has been designed.

"We are exploding with this traffic situation," Hall said. "We should get the same attention that Intel (near Johnstown in central Ohio) gets, or the big cities get, because we are creating quite a bit of revenue here in small little Holmes County for the state of Ohio. We are the No. 1 tourist attraction in the state.

"If we're willing to put money in, it should create a quicker process," he continued. "If we can get all parties to agree, moving forward should be an easy fix."

Brenner said he can speak with the district director and the head of the ODIT. He has been in discussion with them about Central Ohio gaining another million people over the next 20-25 years to the north and east.

"It sounds as though (that growth) is coming up this direction," Brenner said.

Would traffic light solve the problem?

Kick asked if the suggested fix to the problem was a traffic light. He is aware ODOT is not in favor of that. He said ODOT prefers a roundabout.

Miller said when he met with ODOT District 11, he was told they would entertain a turning lane and a traffic light, but the funding project was for a roundabout.

Hall added the engineering for a third lane by ODOT at that intersection is almost done and the county is looking at putting local funds into that project, and is just asking for help in speeding up the process.

"It would be a quick fix to put in a turning lane and a light, as opposed to a roundabout, which would cost about 10-fold to acquire the land," he said. "A third lane wouldn't cost that much, and that's what we're asking.''

Hall pointed out mixing highway traffic with the high volume of tourists, plus buggies and electric bicycles and so many other different vehicles on the roadways anymore, makes the roads more dangerous. The intersections that were used mostly by tractors and small vehicles 10 years ago, have exploded into about every form of transportation vehicle known to man.

"A five-year plan just adds to the challenge, making it more difficult," Hall said. "There should be a higher priority on tourism and traffic-flow problems on a county like ours."

Miller pointed out roundabouts in certain areas work beautifully because they are used by people all the time.

"You get tourists coming in with all the buggies and bicycles, it could get very dangerous," Miller said. "We'd appreciate anything you can do to help speed this up. And we're willing to help."

What the legislators can do

Brenner pointed out it is the job of the legislators to get together and pass laws. They also can contact the state agencies and meet with them to bring issues to their attention.

"For instance, when Mr. Hall brought up the issue about the roundabouts last year, I brought that up to the transportation committee earlier this year to the director, and he wasn't aware that the Amish were riding around on electric bikes," Brenner said. "It was new to him, and it was something he would take a look at. Just bringing attention to some things to people who are in charge of our agencies can help make some changes.

"The traffic issues up here, with growth and needs, might be something the state can take on with the next transportation budget or the supplemental budget," the senator continued.

Kick added that working internally with the various agencies can also get things accomplished.

"Sometimes it is just a matter of reaching out," Kick said. "It may not take a full Ohio Revised Code change, but changing a policy within an agency. It depends on the issue and how we go about fixing it.

"Like with ODOT," he continued. "Sometimes just being the loud mouse in the room and reminding them not to forget about us and the large amount of revenue we bring to the table, and that we'd like some of it back in a timely manner, is a good way to get things done."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Holmes County Commissioners ask lawmakers to speed roadway upgrades