New cameras monitor traffic at Howland's Diverging Diamond

 HOWLAND  The Ohio Department of Transportation has activated a new multi-view online traffic camera overlooking the soon-to-be-completed Diverging Diamond Interchange project, allowing drivers to monitor traffic at the intersection of state routes 46 and 82 in Howland Township.

The camera views, which show Route 82 looking east and west, and Route 46 looking north and south, can be viewed on the www.ohgo.com website or app.

View all the available statewide camera locations

The $20.4 million intersection project, which began in September 2023, is intended to improve safety and reduce congestion at the heavily traveled intersection. More than 50,000 vehicles use the interchange daily, serving as a major access point for the Eastwood Mall Complex and the surrounding Warren, Howland, and Niles areas.

According to ODOT data, the intersection was the site of 159 crashes over four years, a factor that led to the prioritization of safety improvements.

The Diverging Diamond Interchange, or DDI, design temporarily shifts traffic to the opposite side of the road within the interchange area. ODOT officials say this type of interchange can reduce delays by eliminating left turns against oncoming traffic and minimizing the need for certain traffic signal phases, which is especially helpful near high-volume areas like major shopping corridors.

ODOT reports that this interchange design has reduced overall crashes by an average of 37% and injury and fatal crashes by an average of 54% at other locations. The agency also notes that DDIs are often faster and less expensive to construct than traditional interchanges.

The estimated overall completion date for the project is mid-October 2025.

However, several short-term ramps and road closures remain in place through mid-October as work continues.

The following closures are in effect through mid-October 2025:

• State Route 46 north and south lanes under SR 82 are closed. The detour for SR 46 northbound is SR 82 east to SR 193 to SR 82 west to SR 46 north. The detour for SR 46 southbound is SR 82 west to Elm Road to SR 82 east to SR 46 south.
• The ramp from SR 82 west to SR 46 south is closed. The detour is SR 82 west to Elm Road to SR 82 east to SR 46.
• The ramp from SR 82 east to SR 46 north is closed. The detour is SR 82 east to SR 193 to SR 82 west to SR 46.
• The ramp from SR 46 north to SR 82 west is closed. The detour is SR 82 east to SR 193 to SR 82 west.
• The ramp from SR 46 south to SR 82 east is closed. The detour is SR 82 west to Elm Road to SR 82 east.

Drivers are advised to follow the posted detour routes until the short-term closures are lifted.