New layout circles back to safety

SANDUSKY — Most of Cedar Point's thrill rides go up and down. But a new attraction, just outside the amusement park, should have drivers turning round and round. Erie County officials recently updated their plans for major changes at the intersection of Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) and Cedar Point Drive where Thirsty Pony sits. Among the more notable changes: Crews intend on building a roundabout at this intersection. It'll operate similar to the one at Bogart Road and Campbell Street in Perkins Township. Carrie Whitaker, the county's project engineer for its regional planning commission, shared some insight: The background: "In 2018, the Erie County regional planning commission secured an Ohio Department of Transportation planning grant to complete a study of the U.S. 6 corridor from Sycamore Line to Rye Beach Road, including Butler Street." The aftermath: "The study was completed in 2019 and (the commission) then took the lead on working with the (representatives for the local district's) Ohio Department of Transportation and the regional jurisdictional project sponsors to determine best approaches for implementing the study's recommendations. Through discussions, it was determined that submitting a request for funding through ODOT's major safety program was a viable option." The latest: "In 2020, an application requesting safety funding for all of the corridor's improvements was submitted to ODOT's office of safety for consideration. The office selected and awarded funding for improvements from Sycamore Line to Remington Avenue in Sandusky." The money: "The total amount of safety funding awarded was (about $5.1 million)." The enhancements: "Improvements along this section of the corridor include: • Signal and visibility improvements at each intersection • Left-turn-lane extensions at Remington Avenue and Sycamore Line • Convert Cedar Point Drive signalized intersection into a roundabout • Other miscellaneous safety and signage improvements" The timeline: "The project will be constructed in 2024." The goals: "The improvements are aimed at increasing efficiency, enhancing safety and improving multimodal transportation options. Advancing the study's recommendations will enhance our area's transportation network for all its users."