Roundabout coming to congested Alex-Bell, Mad River roads intersection

Credit: TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Credit: TY GREENLEES / STAFF

A roundabout is coming to the intersection of Alex-Bell and Mad River roads, however, construction won’t start for at least six years.

The intersection is a four-way stop that sees about 9,000 motorists on each road daily in Washington Twp. It also is one of the top crash locations in Montgomery County, said Paul Gruner, Montgomery County engineer.

RELATED: Could one of county’s worst intersections become a roundabout?

His office has been working for more than a year on the best solution — a traffic light or roundabout — to address the congestion and safety issues at the intersection.

The topic was the focus of a June public hearing. About 100 people submitted written comments and several others spoke at the meeting.

The vast majority wanted something to be done, but they were split between a traffic signal and roundabout, according to a release from the engineer’s office.

RELATED: Roundabout or light at dangerous intersection: County wants your opinion

Those who live in neighborhoods adjacent to the intersection heavily favored a roundabout, which Gruner said are cheaper than traffic signals.

“Roundabouts have been built in many areas in Ohio and are working well, including in the nearby counties of Warren and Butler,” he said. “The engineer’s office is confident that ... Montgomery County will see the same excellent results.”

The county now will apply for federal funding to design, acquire right of way and construct the project, and conduct an environmental review.

The earliest construction is likely to occur is 2024.

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