By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green officials are looking to another roundabout as a solution to congestion problems, especially during shift changes on Dunbridge Road.
On Monday evening, City Council will hear the first reading of a resolution for a contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation for congestion mitigation and air quality funds to improve the intersection of Dunbridge Road and Wood Bridge Boulevard.
The funding program gives extra weight to projects that reduce congestion and improve air quality.
“A roundabout there would certainly help,” said Bowling Green Assistant Municipal Administrator Joe Fawcett.
The city’s proposal involves replacing the existing T-type intersection entrance to Wood Bridge Business Park with a roundabout.
Major traffic congestion is typical and problematic on Dunbridge and Wood Bridge due to a lack of turn lanes, high traffic volumes on Dunbridge Road, and the large number of vehicles coming and going during shift changes at businesses within the industrial park.
“Shift changes at Woodbridge certainly create congestion in that area,” Fawcett said.
Larger delivery vehicles using the intersection compound the issues, the resolution states.
“This proposed roundabout will provide for quicker, safer and more efficient traffic flow into and out of the city’s largest industrial park,” the resolution reads.
The roundabout would also improve access for trucks and employees from the Wood Bridge Business Park to Ohio 64, Ohio 105 and the recently widened Interstate 75.
The funding announcements won’t be made until December. If Bowling Green is awarded the funding, it is expected the money wouldn’t be available for several years – perhaps 2024 or later.
The application will be for a 70/30 cost share – with the city paying 30 percent.
According to city officials, it’s important that the city take advantage of the potential funding while applications are being solicited.
The city has benefitted from this funding for large road projects in the past.
Bowling Green’s first two roundabouts recently opened at the Interstate 75 interchange with East Wooster Street. Additional roundabouts are being planned by the city at East Wooster and Dunbridge roads, East Wooster and Campbell Hill roads, and Campbell Hill and Napoleon roads.
