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Media inquiries, please contact: ODOT District 1's public information office at D01.PIO@dot.ohio.gov; 419.999.6803
ODOT requests public comment on roundabout designs at two Allen County intersections
Feedback requested by Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
 ODOT District 1 is seeking feedback on the roundabout designs planned for two intersections west of the city of Lima in Allen County: State Route 117/Kemp Road and State Route 501/Fort Amanda Road.
LIMA, Ohio (Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025) – ODOT District 1 is planning to enhance safety by constructing roundabouts at two intersections west of the city of Lima in Allen County:
- State Route 117 and Kemp Road
- State Route 501 and Ft. Amanda Road
Studies show that replacing a two-way stop intersection with a roundabout results in a nearly 90% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes. Roundabouts reduce crashes and crash severity by lowering vehicle speeds and minimizing conflict points.
The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposed design alternatives for both intersections by January 9, 2026. Comments regarding both projects will be accepted at any time, but those received by the deadline will be included in the official public input summary report. Public input will help shape the final design.
State Route 117 and Kemp Road
Project details
In 2024 ODOT initiated a safety study for the State Route 117 and Kemp Road intersection which recommended a roundabout to enhance safety. Following a thorough evaluation of roundabout design options, ODOT recommends a single-lane elliptical roundabout positioned southeast of the intersection. This design minimizes right-of-way and utility impacts while optimizing entry angles for safe and efficient navigation. Construction cost is estimated at $2.7 million.
Funding
ODOT completed a review of the intersection and applied for safety funding. The project was awarded funding for construction in 2029 through Ohio's Highway Safety Program (HSIP).
Preferred alternative
 ODOT evaluated potential roundabout design alternatives to improve safety of the intersection of State Route 117 and Kemp Road. Alternative 4, an elliptical single-lane roundabout positioned southeast of the intersection, was chosen as the recommended preferred alternative.
State Route 501 and Fort Amanda Road
Project details
In 2024 ODOT initiated a safety study for the State Route 501 and Fort Amanda Road intersection which recommended a roundabout to enhance safety. Following a thorough evaluation of roundabout design options, ODOT recommended a single lane, centered circular roundabout positioned southeast of the intersection. This design is the best all-around choice for safety, cost, and design. Construction cost is estimated at $2.1 million.
Funding
ODOT completed a review of the intersection and applied for safety funding. The project was awarded funding for construction in 2029 through Ohio's Highway Safety Program (HSIP).
Preferred alternative
 ODOT evaluated potential roundabout design alternatives to improve safety of the intersection of State Route 501 and Fort Amanda Road. Alternative 1, circular single-lane roundabout centrally positioned at the intersection, was chosen as the recommended preferred alternative.
How to provide feedback
The public is asked to provide feedback on both projects. Submit comments by Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, to be included in the public input summary report.
- Use the comment form on the project website or contact the project manager directly (see above).
- Requests for interpretation service or reasonable accommodation may be submitted through the project website or by contacting the project manager.
Right-of-way and property acquisition
Permanent and temporary (just for construction) right-of-way will likely be needed for the construction of the project. If right-of-way acquisition is necessary, a real estate representative will contact property owners directly at a later date to discuss the right-of-way needs and the acquisition process.
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