GAMBIER — The proposed roundabout on Ohio 229 and Ohio 308 could cost nearly $2.2 million, according to an Ohio Department of Transportation study.
Gambier’s continuous roundabout is moving forward with hopes of slowing speeds and keeping motorists safe. Ultimately, it’s to prevent another fatal car accident.
A feasibility study was completed by ODOT to see if the roundabout could be constructed on Ohio 229 alongside the planned shared use path Gambier council members expect to complete.
ODOT’s study noted there’s a potential for the roundabout project to require a manufactured water treatment system for stormwater impacts.
“This item will be further reviewed during subsequent stages of the project development; however, if the system is found to be the only option, the village would have maintenance responsibilities since it would be located within the village corporation limits,” the study reads.
“We will have further discussion on this element and other elements of the project as the design progresses.”
The study also says capital allocated funds can be used to fund a separate project “at this time” for the proposed shared use path from Ward Street to Ohio 229.
“An alignment is proposed in the document for the shared use pathway; however, the village may wish to pursue other options. A preliminary cost estimate for the pathway is shown within the report, but is based on the alignment shown in the report,” the study states.
“By developing the pathway project on a separate project, the village has the flexibility to pursue other pathway alignments (if desired) and to develop the project on an independent timeline. ODOT will make accommodations for the proposed pathway alignment crossings near the roundabout to ease future construction.”
If construction funds are found that construction of the pathway could coincide with the roundabout, officials can revisit combining the two projects at that time, the study later states.
“The goal is to construct the shared used path and the roundabout at the same time,” Wise said. “It would be cost effective and more convenient. If you’re going to do it, do it once.”
ODOT would pay for the construction of the roundabout, the village administration said.
“The understanding (is) ODOT will put the roundabout into their own funds,” the village administrator said. “The village won’t pay much at all. (We) may design architecture, we would have to pay for that.”
Wise said he’s hoping to move forward on the shared use path at council’s September meeting, including costs and potentially finding a contractor.
“We’re going to start looking for other opportunities for funding, to actually put the pavement together for the shared-use path,” Wise said.
“Possible ODOT could award construction for both parts. Not sure how long it’ll take to make.”
