Traffic Signal Alternative at Five Points
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UPDATE: At the December 4 public meeting, Oakwood City Council voted unanimously to suspend work on a project that considered the conversion of the Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood Avenue and Thruston Boulevard intersection along State Route 48, often referred to as Five Points, from a traditional traffic signal to a roundabout.
At the August 7 public meeting, Oakwood City Council approved Resolution No. 1911 to authorize and direct the city manager to submit a grant application to the Ohio Department of Transportation for construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Far Hills Avenue (SR 48), Oakwood Avenue and Thruston Boulevard often referred to as Five Points.
There are many considerations on whether to build the roundabout, with the highest priority being the impact on public safety. Research has consistently documented the safety benefits of roundabouts for all users, including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Another factor is the project cost. Submitting a grant application for state and federal funding assistance will answer the question of how a roundabout project would impact the city budget, if pursued.
The materials linked below were submitted to apply for a grant application with the Ohio Department of Transportation:
Over the past several months, the city has received input from the Oakwood community and the general public on possibly converting Five Points from a traditional signalized intersection to a roundabout. Some of the input supports the roundabout alternative, and some opposes it. Through the input process, many questions have been asked. The city has compiled the questions into a white paper and prepared a response to each. The white paper is still in draft form and will be updated as needed over the next two months. The city previously announced that public comments would be received through August 11. Given the size and potential impact of this project, the city is extending the public comment period through September 30. City leaders welcome and appreciate all public input.
The city conducted three open house events (June 14, June 29 and July 11) to present information about the traffic signal system study, and in particular about a possible roundabout design at the Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood Avenue and Thruston Boulevard intersection, often referred to as Five Points.
Below is a video from the first open house event featuring an interview with City Manager Norbert Klopsch.
Numerous Five Points Intersection Open House Display Boards were presented at the open house events along with the videos below. The first video shows bird’s-eye and driver views of vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow at various times of the week. The second video is an aerial drone view of the existing conditions at the Five Points intersection.
An information mailer was delivered to every residence and business in Oakwood with an invitation to three open houses that will be held to get citizen input and feedback.
The traffic signal system study was commissioned to develop a long-range plan for major capital improvements to Oakwood’s traffic signal system. Much of the system will reach the end of its useful life over the next 5-10 years.
The Five Points intersection is the most complex traffic intersection in Oakwood, and its design is central to the safe and efficient movement of traffic in and through our city. The intersection has pedestrian traffic, most of which occurs in the mornings and afternoons on school days. The safety of this pedestrian traffic is a primary factor as we study and evaluate intersection designs.
City leaders have not made a decision about the future design of the Five Points intersection, and will not make a decision until a thorough analysis is completed that details the pros and cons of traditional signalization versus a roundabout, and until we hear from the citizens of Oakwood and the general public.
