WARREN, Ohio - On Thursday, September 17th, people in the city of Warren will have another opportunity to find out information, or voice concerns about
recommended changes to traffic signals, school zones, and traffic stops throughout the city.

Chairman of the Traffic and Safety Committee Greg Greathouse called the 5 p.m. meeting at Warren Council Chambers. Social distancing and face masks are required.

The study, by B & N Engineering and Architecture, a nationally recognized firm, evaluated traffic counts, traffic signals, and multi-way stop signs.

Traffic signal evaluation

Warren has 61 intersections with traffic signals.  The study recommended removing 21 traffic signals after determining traffic counts and traffic flow.  The traffic lights to be removed would be placed in flashing mode for a period of time to monitor the intersection before the signal is taken out. Stop signs would be placed on side streets at the intersections once the traffic light is removed.

The traffic signals would be upgraded to include vehicle detection and calculating and implementing the timing of signals. Battery back up systems would be at some of the intersections.

Proposed upgrades to school zones

The city of Warren also plans on using a $250,000 federal  Safe Routes to School grant to replace the 20 miles per hour school zone flasher assemblies. The grant would cover the costs of engineering and construction.

New pedestrian signals with a countdown feature will be installed at selected signalized intersections in local school zones.

Multi-way stop analysis

In order to have a stop sign at an intersection the state of Ohio established rules. The Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Devices provides criteria relating to volumes and crash data that must be met in order to have the signs in place.

Warren has 71 multiway stop intersections. An analysis showed conditions at 12 of the locations meet state criteria. The recommendations call for the city to convert the traffic control at the locations to two-way stops. The recommendations call for removing signs on the major street while keeping the traffic signs at the minor side streets so drivers on side streets would be required to stop.

The 1.6 million dollar project would be paid for with a federal grant. Those funds are available to be used next year.

Paul Maksoky, Director of Engineering, Planning, and Building for the city of Warren said, "The recommendations would being Warren into compliance with the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Devices. The engineering study has been sent to the Ohio Department of Transportation for it's review and comments."