On October 4, the Ada Council held a special meeting of the whole to discuss turning Buckeye Ave. into a one-way street between Johnson and Gilbert streets.
Village Administrator Jamie Hall presented the findings from a study by the Choice One engineering firm. Visibility issues, pedestrian safety and backup from the carryout drive-through at the corner Main and Buckeye were mentioned among reasons this change is being considered.
The Choice One report showed 32 conflict points at this intersection (documents attached). Conflict points are locations in or on the approaches to an intersection where vehicle paths merge, diverge or cross.
Hall noted that ODOT would not approve a traffic light at this location based on their requirements. He also commented that with business developments in the planning stages to the east of Main St., on Buckeye, additional traffic and parking demands are expected.
A one-way design would allow angle parking on the north side of the street; with this design, spots on the south side would remain parallel parking.
The option of creating back-in angle parking was discussed. A disadvantage is that not all drivers are experienced with backing in, but it is easier and safer to pull out of angled parking spots.
To proceed with Choice One on the development of signage, diagrams and exploration of parking design, council passed a motion approving further work.
Jane Napier, the village’s legal council, asked police chief Michael Harnishfeger for his input. Harnishfeger replied that a one-way street would be much safer and that the location is really dangerous, especially for pedestrians. He noted that the change would likely push drivers to approach Main Street from streets with traffic controls (Highland and Lincoln).
Hall noted that this project would be communicated to residents on water bills.
