One heavily traveled intersection in Austintown could soon get a facelift after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced funding for several road repair projects across the state.

State Route 46 and New Road is one of 17 new locations where a roundabout is planned to replace the current intersection.

It's leaving those who travel the route and township trustees concerned this might not be the best option for the township.

"Consider reversing your decision about the roundabout and fulfill the long overdue requests of our residents," said one man during Monday's trustees meeting. "ODOT, you do not live here, we do."

While some surrounding businesses have concerns the roundabout isn't the best option, others who live nearby want the project stopped entirely. Some told trustees there are plenty of other road projects the state should work on first.

There's even a group circulating a protest petition on the roundabout.

"Mathematically, that's 3,240,000 cars with 45 accidents," the man said. "The ratio does not justify a roundabout at this location."

But when it comes to stats on roundabouts, ODOT says they're proven to reduce crashes by 48% and also reduce serious or even deadly crashes by 80% compared to regular traffic lights.

But people living on residential streets including Lexington Place say the roundabout traffic would make it more challenging to pull out of their neighborhood.

"We did send an information request to the state and of course when we get more information, we'll have residents come and take a look," said Trustee Robert Santos.

As Santos works to learn more about the roundabout from the state, he tells 21 News they were never told about the plan before it was made public. While he has concerns, he wants to see more data surrounding the concept.

"We can be the advocates," Santos said. "We can advocate for the residents if we feel like that doesn't match up. We will definitely advocate for or against the roundabout."

Frustrated residents are sending the petition to ODOT District 4 office in an effort to influence the state to rethink the project.

The roundabout is planned to be completed in 2027.