Shown is damage to the Columbiana roundabout caused by a semi in August 2022. The city recently received $1.3 million from the state to renovate the roundabout. (File photo by J.D. Creer)

COLUMBUS — The City of Columbiana received $1.3 million from the state to give its roundabout a new look and increased functionality.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks announced that ODOT awarded a total of $15 million in grant funding to support roadway safety improvement and improved road signage in local cities and townships.

Columbiana City Manager Lance Willard explained that the city applied for the grant after being tasked by city council in 2022 to find a solution to assure improved safety of travelers in the traffic circle.

“The traffic circle in Columbiana has been an iconic landmark in our community since our founding in 1805. After performing a traffic study, we developed a plan to install control features and updated pedestrian crossings, creating a single lane roundabout all while preserving the iconic clock in the center,” Willard explained. “This summer, we applied for a grant and are very appreciative of the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Small City Program for supporting the City of Columbiana. This project will improve traffic and pedestrian safety in our Historic Downtown for generations to come. Currently, the project is scheduled to start in July 2027.”

With its $1,303,780, Columbiana is going to retrofit the intersection of Main Street and Park Avenue from a traffic circle to a single lane roundabout control. Work will include a central island, splitter islands in the approaches as well as new crosswalks and ramps for pedestrian traffic.

The ODOT Small City Grant Program funds projects in cities with populations from 5,000 to 24,999 that are outside the boundaries of a metropolitan planning organization.

In neighboring Mahoning County, both Goshen ($4,480.12) and Green ($27,618.44) townships also received money for sign projects. ODOT awarded a total of $845,040.42 to support roadway signage projects for local townships in 30 countries. The program provides funding for signs, posts and hardware along township-maintained roadways.

“The safety of those who travel on Ohio’s roadways will always be a top priority,” said Gov. DeWine. “Whether it’s upgrading a major thoroughfare or installing better signage along a small township road, the projects we’re supporting will help local governments maintain and improve the streets their citizens drive on each day.”

Columbiana is one of nine communities which received moneys through the ODOT Small Cities grant program.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com