Press Release from ODOT
(419) 999-6803
Preferred Alternative Announced for State Route 31/U.S. 68 Reroute Feasibility Study
Public Meeting Comment Responses HAR-31-68, PID 119048
KENTON, Ohio, (Monday, Feb. 26, 2024) - The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in partnership with the city of Kenton, conducted an open house public meeting on November 16, 2023, and held an open public comment period from November 16, 2023 to December 18, 2023 regarding the results of the feasibility study describing alternatives to improve the connection between State Route 31 to U.S. 68. The six alternatives presented were:
- No build: No changes to the connection between SR 31 and U.S. 68;
- Alternative A: 25 MPH S-curve from SR 31 to U.S. 68 south of the Scioto River;
- Alternative B: 30 MPH S-curve from SR 31 to U.S. 68 south of the Scioto River;
- Alternative C: 30 MPH T-intersection at SR 31 and U.S. 68 south of the Scioto River;
- Alternative D: Central roundabout at SR 31 and U.S. 68 south of the Scioto River; and
- Alternative E: Western roundabout at SR 31 and U.S. 68 south of the Scioto River.
Input received during the public meeting comment period included questions about the use of Fairgrounds Road as the designated truck route, construction of a bypass around the city of Kenton, reconstructing County Road 110 to serve as a truck route, using one-way streets to direct traffic flow, and moving the location of the central roundabout (Alternative D) south to avoid bridge impacts over the Scioto River.
Following consideration of the use of one-way streets, the concept was dismissed due to the S-curves and roundabouts south of town being capable of accommodating larger volumes of traffic than the existing traffic signals and does not provide a SR 31/U.S. 68 connection outside the city square. Additionally, the concepts of truck route construction and/or designations were dismissed due to continued observations of trucks not following the existing routes in favor of shorter, more efficient routes through the city. After evaluating the southern alignment shift for central roundabout, the project team dismissed this option due to additional property impacts and the proximity to the signalized intersection at Espy Street.
The project team concluded that Alternative E: the western roundabout will still be the preferred measure to improve connection from SR 31 to U.S. 68. The preferred alternative and feasibility study will now be used to pursue funding opportunities for project design and construction.
Additional information about the project, and a summary of comments received and ODOT’s responses can be found at ODOT’s project webpage: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/119048.
Thank you to those that participated at the open house public meeting and public comment period and provided your comments and feedback. A summary of comments received and ODOT’s responses have been compiled into a table and can be viewed and downloaded on the website listed above.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kylie Schnipke by phone at 419-999-6885, or by email at Kylie.Schnipke@dot.ohio.gov