For area residents and the Springfield Schools director of transportation, the opening of the roundabout at Angola and King roads may seem like a blessing, but although it is open, more work remains to be done into 2023.
The roundabout opened November 2 but a portion of Angola Road west of King Road is closed through November 15. The closure is necessary to complete a widening of the road to accommodate a center-turn lane from Wentworth Avenue to just west of Meadow Boulevard.
The widening also will feature a right in, right out modified entrance to the township hall complex.
Similar widening work will be undertaken in spring 2023, but on the portion of Angola east of the roundabout.
Lucas County engineer Mike Pniewski expressed appreciation to motorists for their patience. “I want to thank the community for being patient with this project and the time it took due to unforeseen circumstances,” he said. He noted this roundabout marks the fourth one the county has done this year and is “one that will fix a significant traffic issue and enhance a growing Springfield Township.”
Miller Brothers Construction of Archbold began work on the project August 29, and despite delays in starting, the roundabout under a new timeline was completed on schedule.
Trustee Andy Glenn noted that while construction proved inconvenient to some motorists, in the long run, the end result will be instrumental. “This new roundabout has the single-most impact on moving traffic in a safe and efficient manner.”
The $2.2 million project was funded by a federal grant of $1.8 million with a local contribution of $201,160.
Mr. Glenn credited the engineer and others for working together to bring the roundabout to fruition. “Cooperation and working together is vital when doing these types of projects,” he said.
“Our office is pleased with the work done in Springfield the last few years, and we look forward to more improvement in the years to come that will bring about safer, more efficient travel for residents and enhance the western part of Lucas County,” said Mr. Pniewski.
He pointed out township residents will see several new roundabout projects in the future with construction in 2024 at Bancroft Street and McCord Road, Hill Avenue and Centennial Road and Garden and Albon roads.
In 2025, one will be built at Hill and McCord, and in 2026, another will be constructed at Crissey and Frankfurt roads.
