HOWLAND, Ohio - Putting an end to traffic crossing State Route 82 from Howland Wilson Road is just one of the proposed changes at several Howland intersections under discussion tonight in Howland.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is inviting members of the public to attend an informational open house on the proposals tonight, Wednesday, September 5th  from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Howland High School Cafeteria, 200 Shaffer Drive NE, Warren Ohio.

One of the biggest adjustments could be at State Route 82 and 46. 

The congestion of the intersection has caught the attention of ODOT and after conducting a traffic study, they're proposing a major change -- the construction of what's called a "diverging diamond interchange."

The diagram of what is being proposed may look confusing since traffic is temporarily directed onto the opposite side of the roadway, but ODOT officials said it's designed to be safer and keep traffic moving.

The video attached to this report will help explain how the diverging diamond interchange works.

One advantage to the interchange is that it will allow free-flowing turns for both traffic getting on and off State Route 82. Meaning motorists will not have to cross opposing traffic to make a left turn.

At this point, this interchange is only a proposal.

ODOT officials said there is only one intersection like this in the state. That intersection is located in Columbus. Two more are in the process of being constructed in the Toledo area.

Other recommendations include:

SR 82 and Howland-Wilson Road.

Traffic could only exit from Route 82 to Howland-Wilson. Traffic could not enter Route 82. Currently, there is a traffic light at the crossroad.

  • Extend median on SR 82.
  • Cul-de-sac both legs of Howland-Wilson Road.
  • Only allow right turn movements from SR 82 to Howland-Wilson Road.

SR 46 and Warren-Sharon Road

  • Extend existing northbound, southbound, and westbound turn lanes.
  • Construct right turn lanes for the northbound and southbound approaches to SR 46.

SR 46 section between SR 82 and Warren-Sharon Road

  • Convert to a three-lane section with center two-way left-turn lane with sidewalk, curb, and enclosed drainage ditch.

SR 46 and Howland-Springs Road

  • Realign Howland-Springs Road and Kenyon Drive.