OVRDC Success

CM was retained by the OVRDC and the City of Jackson to develop a School Travel Plan (STP) for Jackson City schools. CM assisted the City of Jackson with the funding application which resulted in the City obtaining funding for the STP. The plan follows the guidelines and methodologies laid out by ODOT’s Safe Routes to School Program. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is an international movement that uses programming and infrastructure to improve safety and encourage students to walk and bicycle to school. The project included evaluation of existing conditions, community engagement, development of infrastructure and non-infrastructure (programs and policies) recommendations, and a final report. The STP will be utilized by the City to seek funding for recommended countermeasures. The final deliverable is a full report inclusive of an exhibit and cost estimate for the highest priority project. The City benefits from this plan by having established framework for encouraging students to walk and bike to school safely and efficiently.

CM conducted a comprehensive safety study of 17th Street in Portsmouth, Ohio, spanning from Grandview Avenue to Mabert Road. The study aimed to identify conditions contributing to crashes, calm traffic, and enhance pedestrian safety in a corridor characterized by residential developments, high pedestrian activity, and limited traffic controls. CM performed field observations, demographic and crash data analysis, traffic counts, and capacity evaluations. Notably, the analysis revealed a high incidence of parked vehicle and pedestrian crashes—conditions exacerbated by inconsistent roadway widths, poor pavement markings, and a lack of designated pedestrian infrastructure.

To address these issues, CM proposed a range of short-, medium-, and long-term countermeasures. Recommendations included installing curb bump-outs, new pavement markings, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), speed limit signage, and reconfiguring several intersection controls. A mini roundabout was also recommended as a long-term solution at the 17th Street and Mabert Road intersection to improve traffic flow and safety. Cost estimates and benefit-cost analyses were prepared, and CM identified appropriate ODOT Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding streams to support implementation. These recommendations provide a strategic framework for improving safety and mobility for all users along the corridor. The City successfully obtained funding for the recommended improvements and CM was selected to develop detailed design plans for the project.

OVRDC and the Ross County Commissioner retained CM to complete an update of the Ross County Throughfare Plan.  Previous Thoroughfare Plan updates were mostly completed in house with support provided by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), OVRDC, and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).  Previous updates were primarily completed in-house with support from MORPC, OVRDC, and ODOT. The last comprehensive plan was finalized in 2008, with minor amendments in 2010 and 2012. Due to regional growth and completed priority projects, a 2021 update was needed to guide future infrastructure planning in Ross County and the City of Chillicothe.

Though minor, the update provides essential data to support future investment and prioritization. It includes demographic analysis, stakeholder and public input, updated maps, and an access management plan. CM collaborated with stakeholders to develop a 13-question public survey addressing transportation issues, proposed improvements, and growth trends. The survey received and summarized 66 responses.

As part of the update, CM produced several maps, including a Roadway Functional Classification Map, Annual Average Daily Traffic Map, and a Proposed Roadway Improvements Map.

CM conducted a comprehensive safety study of the intersection at US 22/SR 3 and CR 68 (Jamison Road) in Fayette County to assess existing conditions and identify countermeasures to reduce crash frequency and severity. The study evaluated roadway geometry, traffic volumes, crash patterns, and operational performance, revealing a high occurrence of angle crashes, including a fatality in 2018. CM developed and assessed both short- and long-term solutions, including turn lane restriping, access management, and geometric reconfigurations. Two long-term alternatives were considered: a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) and a roundabout. The roundabout demonstrated a greater potential for crash reduction and improved traffic flow through lower vehicle speeds and simplified movements.

Based on the study findings, CM identified a roundabout with an associated road diet as the preferred alternative for the intersection. CM played a key role in assisting Fayette County in pursuing formal safety funding for the project. Ultimately, CM’s efforts culminated in successfully obtaining funding for the installation of the roundabout.

Under the OVRDC Transportation Feasibility and/or Safety Study Master Service Agreement, Jackson County selected CM to conduct the Beaver Pike Corridor Safety Study. The study aims to assess current conditions and identify countermeasures to reduce crash frequency and severity along Beaver Pike, from the county’s western limits to Cherry Avenue, including intersections.

CM analyzed intersection sight distances and evaluated existing passing zones. Crash data (2010–2020) was sourced from ODOT TIMS, yielding 164 crashes. OH-1 reports were reviewed to create crash diagrams. Using ODOT ECAT and the Highway Safety Manual’s predictive method for rural two-lane roads, CM assessed the corridor’s potential for safety improvements.

Recommended short- and long-term countermeasures included revising passing zones, adding raised pavement markers, signage, guardrails, rumble strips, clearing vegetation, and reconfiguring intersections. CM also developed concept plans, cost estimates, and benefit-cost analyses for the proposed improvements.

Through an OVRDC-funded contract, CM conducted a comprehensive traffic analysis for the City of Hillsboro to assess the impact of projected development and infrastructure changes through 2045. The study evaluated existing conditions and two future scenarios: Scenario 1, which includes the Roberts Lane extension and new development, and Scenario 2, which adds one-way conversions of N. West Street and N. High Street.

CM used 2022 StreetLight origin-destination data and ODOT growth rates to project traffic volumes. Development-generated trips were estimated using ITE trip generation rates and distributed across 23 study intersections. Turn lane and signal warrants, as well as capacity analyses, were performed using Synchro 11.

Both scenarios showed impacts, but Scenario 1 was recommended due to its lower infrastructure complexity and better support for pedestrian and cyclist mobility. Scenario 2 would require more extensive upgrades and could conflict with active transportation goals. CM recommended Scenario 1 and suggested the City adopt formal Traffic Impact Study standards to guide future development planning.

CM conducted a comprehensive safety study at the US-22 and SR-753 intersection in Fayette County, Ohio, to address ongoing crash issues. Identified as a priority by the Fayette County Engineer’s Office, the site, just east of Washington Court House, was analyzed for traffic volumes, crash patterns, and roadway geometry. Despite prior short-term upgrades (e.g., LED stop signs and warning signage), crash data showed a high rate of angle (71.1%) and rear-end collisions.

CM recommended a long-term solution: a single-lane roundabout. A full capacity analysis confirmed the roundabout would maintain acceptable delay and service levels through 2045 while significantly reducing conflict points. A benefit-cost analysis using ODOT’s ECAT tool showed a strong return on investment. Based on these results and the proven safety performance of roundabouts, CM advised moving forward with implementation and is currently assisting the County in securing ODOT HSIP funding for construction.

CM completed a comprehensive safety and capacity study for the intersection of SR-73 and Chariss Avenue/Fenner Avenue in Hillsboro, Ohio. The study was initiated in response to anticipated growth along the Roberts Lane and SR-73 corridor, including multiple commercial and residential developments. CM conducted detailed traffic volume projections, crash analysis, and field assessments to evaluate current and future operational needs. CM reviewed previous planning efforts, incorporated updated development data, and identified a significant increase in rear-end crashes—especially on the southbound approach—likely due to poor signal visibility, vertical curvature, and increased traffic pressure in the area.

Based on the findings, CM recommended several countermeasures, including replacing outdated “Prepare to Stop When Flashing” signs with radar detection, upgrading the traffic signal, and installing dedicated turn lanes. These improvements are expected to address both operational delays and the high frequency of rear-end collisions. CM also assisted the City in applying for ODOT Small City Funding to support implementation of the recommended improvements. While the application was ultimately not selected, the City is well-positioned for future funding opportunities.