Will privately owned land be acquired to build the roundabout? If so, how much?

The conceptual plan requires seven small areas of private roadway frontage property to be acquired as additional public right-of-way. It would not require the acquisition and removal of any structures. The small areas of land are depicted in orange highlight on Display Board #5 which is posted on the city website at https://oakwoodohio.gov/departments/traffic-signal-study-five-points/

Could the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) change Oakwood’s roundabout design after the project is funded?

ODOT is a proponent of roundabouts; the ODOT Safety Program regularly funds construction of roundabouts due to their safety performance record. A funding application to the ODOT Safety Program will be considered if the roundabout alternative advances beyond the initial study phase. ODOT’s review of the roundabout design will involve verifying that it complies with ODOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) roadway design standards. The design firm preparing detailed construction plans for the roundabout will be required to prepare those plans consistent with the same standards.

How will vehicles be stopped to make the Far Hills Ave pedestrian crossing safe?

The conceptual roundabout plan includes the use of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) signal. The PHB uses lighted signals to stop motorists when a crosswalk user is present. The signal is actuated via a pedestrian pushbutton. The signal indications are dark when not active, but incorporate yellow and red lights to stop traffic for pedestrians. A PHB is recommended for multi-lane roundabouts in the US Access Board guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). The roundabout design divides the Far Hills crossing into two phases. Each phase is approximately 24 feet in length (two lane widths). The phases are separated by a 24 +/- feet wide raised center median. While negotiating the crosswalk, pedestrians need only consider approaching vehicular traffic from one direction at a time. The current signalized intersection requires pedestrians to cross approximately 60 feet of roadway, without a raised center median, and pedestrians must consider approaching vehicular traffic from two directions. The conceptual roundabout plan may also include raised pavement pedestrian crossings to slow traffic.