Deadline for comments approaching

VW independent staff

Wednesday, October 30, is the deadline to submit comments, input and concerns about the Ohio Department of Transportation’s plans make a portion of U.S. 30 from the Indiana border east safer, along with the intersection of Lincoln Highway and U.S. 224 in Van Wert.

ODOT plans to build restricted crossing u-turns, also called R-cuts, at U.S. 30 and Ohio 49/Payne Rd. and U.S. 30 and Ohio 49/Convoy Heller Rd. He noted that a similar R-cut was installed at U.S. 30 and Thayer Rd. in the Lima area and has been successful. The cost for the R-cut and other improvements is expected to be $5.8 million and construction is slated to begin in 2027.

An overpass bridge will be constructed to carry Convoy Rd. traffic over U.S. 30, which will eliminate the existing at-grade intersection and therefore enhance safety and reduce crashes. Vehicles will be redirected to nearby intersections such as Ohio 49 or U.S. 224 for access to U.S. 30. That project is expected to cost at least $8 million and construction will begin in 2028 or 2029.

The other project is the construction of a roundabout at Lincoln Highway and U.S. 224. In addition, the U.S. 224 bridge over the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad will be rehabilitated, including deck replacement. Those projects will be done at the same time and will cost a total of $4.2 million. Work is scheduled to begin in 2026 or 2027.

Public comments for any and all of the projects can be submitted by clicking here.