ODOT wants to tell you about big intersection changes in Howland

WARREN

Tonight’s open house in the Howland High School cafeteria will give people an opportunity learn about and comment on four proposed Howland intersection changes and another change the Ohio Department of Transportation is proposing.

The most innovative project is the proposed “divergent diamond” at state Route 46-Route 82 intersection just north of the Lowe’s home improvement store. Officials hope it will reduce accidents for traffic leaving the Eastwood Mall area and entering state Route 82 westbound toward Warren and Champion. Ohio has only one of this type of intersection so far.

But perhaps the most controversial of the projects would be the elimination of left turns at the state Route 82-Howland Wilson intersection and allowing only right-turn exits onto Route 82 at Howland Wilson. The traffic lights at the intersection would be removed, replaced by a grass median. Cul-de-sacs would be introduced on both sides of Route 82 at Howland Wilson.

Other proposals to be discussed at the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. open house are extending turning lanes, adding a turning lane and adding a sidewalk at the state Route 46-East Market Street intersection; adding sidewalks along Route 46 between the Route 82 and East Market Street intersections; and aligning Howland Wilson Road and Kenyon Drive south of the Lowe’s store.

Attendees can learn about the proposals from 5 to 7 p.m. A presentation on the proposals will be given at 5:45 p.m. The proposed start of construction is 2022.