Upgrade to Diebold in works
The expansion of Parkview Health’s northern complex will mean more traffic improvements than just interchange updates.
Q. As a frequent user of Diebold Road, I am wondering how long before it is widened and properly paved. The employee entrance for Parkview is on Diebold, so traffic is greatly increased. – Lisa Kent
A. Good news, Lisa, there is work coming for Diebold, even if it isn’t just for you.
With Parkview expected to open Parkview Regional Medical Center in 2012, the Allen County commissioners plan to improve at least part of that road. Local transportation officials are also looking at ways to relieve congestion at the Interstate 69-Dupont Road interchange because of the hospital.
Bill Hartman, county highway director, said that with a signed agreement, the county can begin acquiring right of way and moving utilities for the project. Although the county hopes to start work this year, delays in the right-of-way process could postpone work until the spring of 2011.
He said the project must be finished no later than the spring of 2012, but an earlier start time would obviously lead to earlier completion.
Q. We often travel down Long Road between Maysville and Shordon roads. The posted speed limit going south on Long is 30 mph. There’s no speed limit posted going north. Why is the speed limit 30 mph on this obscure road? – Jeff Flowers, Fort Wayne
A. Although I understand the frustration of slow speed limits, Jeff, it doesn’t look as if you’ll legally be allowed to drive faster on this road soon.
Shan Gunawardena, city traffic engineer, said while there aren’t many homes on Long Road, there are many backyards facing the street. The Three Rivers Montessori School and Shordon Estates playground also are next to the road. Those reasons make this a residential area with a high potential for pedestrian traffic.
Because of that, the 30 mph speed limit is appropriate for Long Road, Gunawardena said. And as a reminder, on city residential streets with no posted speed limit, the enforceable limit remains 30 mph.
Ohio closure
Starting this week, Ohio 66 over U.S. 24 in Defiance County is closed for five months. The state is replacing the bridge and widening and reconstructing the ramp. Southbound traffic will detour onto U.S. 24 West to Ohio 15/28 to U.S. 24 East to Ohio 66. Northbound traffic will detour onto U.S. 24 East to Ohio 281 to U.S. 24 West back to Ohio 66.
Radio Sage
This week’s bonus audio question comes from Jim C., who asks about the signals on Stellhorn and Maplecrest roads for the Northwood shopping complex.
The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
