Roundabout project shuts down major road

DANBURY TWP. — A major road reconstruction project, which involves building a roundabout, began earlier this week, forcing vehicles to detour around the area for several months until mid-2026. Through the Ohio Department of Transportation, here's what people need to know about work in Ottawa County: • The purpose: The project aims "to consolidate the intersection at Ohio 269 at South Danbury Road by constructing a single-lane roundabout." This area is just off Ohio 2 near The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark/Monsoon Lagoon in Danbury Township. • The objectives: The project goals aim to "accommodate oversized vehicles, including trucks pulling boats and campers; convert the northbound Ohio 269 approach from a two-lane weave to a one-lane merge; (and) resurface Ohio 269 to the Bayshore Road overpass." • The danger zone: The state studied this area, noting 13 total crashes, including eight involving injuries and one fatal, have occurred there since 2020. • The detours: Here's a look at when certain sections of Ohio 269 will close: — Now through mid-May: northbound Ohio 269 between Ohio 2 and Ohio 163 will be closed. The detour will be Ohio 2 to Ohio 53 to Ohio 163. Southbound Ohio 269 will remain open. And local traffic will be maintained, including to a gas station on South Danbury Road. — Late April/early May: For a three-week period, southbound Ohio 269 in this area will also be closed in addition to northbound traffic. The detour will be Ohio 163 to Ohio 53. Local traffic will be maintained by using South Danbury Road from East Bayshore Road. — Late May/early June: The entire area should reopen with a completed roundabout. There might be minor lane restrictions for the removal of pavement and other finish work. • The cost: Officials pegged the project at about $3.1 million, an amount coming from the state.