Background:
In 2024 the city engaged consulting engineers to conduct a traffic study in the vicinity of the Lorain Rd and Lear Nagle Rd intersection. The study evaluated existing conditions of the area, including traffic volumes, crash data, road geometry and more. This information was used to develop recommendations for improvements in order to improve traffic flow and address safety issues in this gateway to the city.
Recommendations:
The project will improve traffic flow into and out of the community by replacing existing traffic signals with roundabouts, and installing the region’s first Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) intersection at Lorain Rd and Lear Nagle Rd. An RCUT intersection improves traffic by reducing the number of signal phases at a congested intersection and redirecting traffic to downstream intersections. This change moves traffic faster as opposed to traffic waiting at multiple green cycles before making it through the intersection. The combination of the RCUT and roundabouts improves traffic flow and travel time, while providing safer and more welcoming intersections than the existing multi-lane traffic signals. The project will also improve the I-480/Lorain Rd interchange to facilitate movement onto and off the freeway, assisting commuters and providing easy access to visitors to the community.