By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Now that most Bowling Green motorists have mastered the roundabouts at Interstate 75 and East Wooster Street, a new challenge is in its way – a double lane roundabout at East Wooster and Campbell Hill Road.
For those nervous about safely navigating the two-lane rotary, a video will be posted on the city’s website showing the process – with three years to practice before the rotary is constructed.
On Wednesday, ODOT held a public hearing on the proposed project at the intersection of East Wooster Street and Campbell Hill Road/Alumni Drive.
Construction is expected to occur in the summer of 2023 – between Memorial Day and Labor Day if possible.
The project will bring multiple changes to the city’s entrance off I-75.
In addition to the roundabout, the project also calls for a median along the center of Wooster Street from the existing roundabout at I-75 at least as far west as Campbell Hill Road.
The median will restrict access to the businesses on the south side of Wooster Street, converting the commercial driveways to right-in and right-out only, which is expected to improve safety.
The proposed roundabout at Campbell Hill and the existing roundabout at I-75 will provide places for motorists to make U-turns.
“These medians will eliminate the dangerous left-hand turns,” into businesses and onto Wooster, said Bowling Green Public Works Director Brian Craft.
During construction, one lane of traffic each way on East Wooster Street will be maintained throughout the project. Traffic on Campbell Hill will be closed for about 30 days, while traffic on Alumni Drive will be closed for an estimated 90 days. Detours will be set up.
For the final paving work, it is possible that Wooster will have to be closed for a couple days or nights.
This roundabout and median project is the third phase of the city’s “front porch” facelift for traffic entering from I-75. The first two phases included the pedestrian hybrid beacon on Wooster Street by the Stroh Center, and the roundabouts at I-75.
As it stretches westward, the median will continue the elements used at the I-75 roundabouts. There will be cobblestone pavers, decorative lighting, salt-resistant trees and landscaping.
“So when people come to town, they have a positive impact” when they enter the community, Craft said.
It’s possible some type of BGSU/City of BG sign will be placed in the center of the roundabout, according to City Engineer Brad Holman.
Some rain gardens are also planned to handle runoff.
A few questions were submitted during the public hearing – with one person curious about how traffic will be handled for BGSU commencement, student moving days, and sporting events. Craft said the bulk of the construction will take place after commencement and before students move back. Efforts will be made to work with the university, city police and BGSU police to make sure there is access where needed.
Since Carter Park on Campbell Hill Road hosts several ball tournaments in the summer, Craft said detours for that location will be well publicized.
Another person asked how bicyclists can navigate the roundabout. Cyclists can use the multi-use path along the roadway, if they are not comfortable riding in the rotary, Craft said. But bicyclists can also “own the lane,” he said. “The bike can go through the roundabout like any other vehicle.”
Anyone wanting to comment on the project may do so by:
- Emailing bholman@bgohio.org
- Calling 419-354-6227
- Mailing comments to: Bradley M.Holman, P.E., City of Bowling Green, Engineering Division, 304 N. Church St., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
The public meeting comment period ends Friday, Oct. 16.
