Transportation, Johnstown officials discuss roundabout for downtown intersection
JOHNSTOWN — Add another idea to addressing traffic congestion in Johnstown, specifically at the downtown intersection of U.S. 62 and Ohio 37. A roundabout.
Transportation Improvement District Projects Director Bill Lozier recently met with Johnstown Mayor Chip Dutcher and Johnstown City Manager Jack Liggett about the possibility of doing a study of a roundabout at the busy location.
The city has changed the traffic signal timing at the intersection several times. A truck bypass of downtown was discussed at a recent TID meeting. But all the potential solutions also present potential problems.
“My view is we’ve got to do something with this traffic," Liggett said. "We’ve changed the timing on that light more times than I can count. And, let’s be honest, more traffic’s coming.
“All the studies with engineers that I’ve worked with and discussed, the easiest way to flow traffic though, not at a high rate of speed, but constant movement, is a roundabout. I am open to any other suggestion on how to move it.”
More: Ahead of Intel, Johnstown seeks to alleviate traffic headache at heart of downtown
Intel Corporation, a computer chip manufacturer, announced on Jan. 21, it will build a $20 billion facility in Jersey Township on land just south of Johnstown to be annexed into New Albany. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with production scheduled to begin in 2025. It will be the largest commercial development in state history.
The company expects to hire 3,000 employees, and the project is expected to create 7,000 construction jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs. It is possible this stage is just the first part of a $100 billion investment by the company.
Johnstown City Councilman Doug Lehner opposed a roundabout at the downtown intersection.
“We keep going back to we want to maintain the feel of Johnstown, of rural Johnstown," Lehner said. "You put a roundabout in the heart of our city, you just destroyed the heart of our city. I just want that to go on record. I’m not a big advocate of that.
“A lot of people keep saying with Intel coming in, we want to maintain our identity of a smaller, rural community, even though we’re going to grow. I think that’s going to take away from it.”
Councilman Ryan Green said, “I’d be in favor of getting the study done. I think you can have a roundabout and maintain that rural character. I think it can be done, but it has to be done thoughtfully.”
Liggett said the TID would pay for the study, not the city of Johnstown.
“We don't have money to fund the study," Liggett said. "The TID has stepped up saying we’ll fund the study to take a look at it. As long as they are going to foot the bill to see how we can get more traffic through there, I think it’s a wonderful idea.
"It’s not on our dime, so I see no reason not to look at it, unless council wants me not to call and stop it.”
Other council members had concerns about a roundabout, but no others said they opposed doing a study. Some members said roundabouts should also be considered at other Ohio 37 intersections, north and south of U.S. 62.
Lozier said, however, the TID does not currently have money for the study. He said the TID will search for funding sources if the city supports the idea.
The TID typically seeks funding from sources such as Ohio Department of Transportation, Licking County Area Transportation Study, Ohio Public Works Commission, Ohio Department of Jobs and Commerce, Licking County Commissioners, and possibly a city, village or township.
“There is no money identified for this," Lozier said. "It’s right in the wheelhouse for the TID, but we don’t have any money. We gather money. We try to cobble up as many grant sources as we can.”
“We know we need to find a solution to fix the traffic congestion in Johnstown. The discussion about a roundabout is just another discussion on how to solve the existing problem. The TID is ideal to take a leadership role, but I have to be sensitive to each community."
Lozier said the TID gets involved if there is multi-jurisdictional interest, a solution supports economic development and the community is too small to do the work on its own. Johnstown does not have an engineer on its staff.
“It’s not unreasonable Johnstown seeks money from the state," Lozier said. "Intel and New Albany have a solid plan in place and Licking County needs to get caught up. We’ve all got to get on the same page.
“We’re tying this to Intel, so our ask of the state would be 'can you help in this situation?' But, it’s not abnormal to ask the city."
New Albany will receive an $85 million grant from the state to begin making roadway and infrastructure improvements in anticipation of Intel’s arrival.
Liggett said a roundabout would probably require the taking of land from two property owners.
Lozier agreed right of way would be needed, adding that roads carrying 16,000 to 18,000 cars a day could require a two-lane roundabout.
"A roundabout, whether one would fit, that’s the dilemma," Lozier said. "It seems like significant right of way (is needed).”
kmallett@newarkadvocate.com
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Transportation, Johnstown officials discuss roundabout for downtown
