LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A new roundabout is now open at the intersection of Thayer Road and State Route 81, part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) ongoing effort to improve traffic safety across the state.
The intersection, previously the site of multiple serious crashes, has been converted into a single-lane roundabout with the primary goal of reducing injury and fatal collisions. According to ODOT, roundabouts are showing significant safety improvements statewide.
According to ODOT, roundabouts are showing significant safety improvements statewide.
Data from ODOT shows that single-lane roundabouts have reduced injury and fatal crashes by 69% on average. Locally, some intersections have seen even greater improvements:
State Route 309 and Thayer Road, Allen County: 85% reduction
State Route 309 and Napoleon Road, Allen County: 63% reduction
U.S. Route 68 and Lima Avenue, Hancock County: 91% reduction
U.S. Route 127 and U.S. Route 224, Van Wert County: 76% reduction
Just south of the new roundabout is another one at State Route 309 and Thayer Road, which opened in 2022. Since its opening, that intersection has seen an 85% decrease in injury and fatal crashes.
“This intersection handles a lot of traffic, specifically, it handles a lot of freight going through Procter & Gamble. They have an expansion of their facility there, and so it's really going to help keep up with traffic flow and we're really excited about keeping traffic moving efficiently through that intersection,” said Chad Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director.
Hughes also noted that dry weather over the past two months allowed the Thayer Road/State Route 81 project to be completed ahead of schedule.
Looking ahead, ODOT has scheduled its next roundabout project for summer 2026 at the intersection of State Route 117 and State Route 501 on the west side of Lima.
