PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PROJECT OVERVIEW … Williams County Engineer Todd Roth provides information regarding the roundabout project coming to the intersection of CR G and CR 13.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners met on March 17, 2026, to approve a resolution advancing a roundabout project planned for the intersection of County Road G and County Road 13.
The project comes after years of safety concerns at the intersection, which has been the site of crashes, including fatalities. The area presents additional challenges due to its downward slope and limited visibility.
Nearby traffic includes regular use by heavy vehicles, with the County Engineering Office located at the corner and both Republic Services and the Williams County Landfill in close proximity.
County Engineer Todd Roth explained that efforts to improve safety at the intersection began in 2024, when he was first approved for an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) safety study. Roth also applied for additional signage at the intersection.
Following these steps, the engineering office pursued a larger infrastructure solution through federal transportation funding.
A Local Public Agency (LPA) Federal Local-LET Project agreement was negotiated between ODOT and the Commissioners, acting via the Williams County Engineer. This agreement allows for federal funds to be used toward construction of the roundabout.
The project cost with the federal funding is estimated at $4,180,600, which includes design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
The county is responsible for only 10% of the cost, or approximately $418,000. Roth noted that the final cost may also come in lower than the current estimate.
“What we’re proposing to do is keep what’s called a simple roundabout. We don’t need fancy, we don’t need curb separations. It’s a single-lane, simple design,” Roth explained.
“The biggest part of this would be that making sure the trucks, farm equipment, things of that nature, can get through it.”
The next steps in the process include submitting a scope of services and a Local Public Agency agreement to ODOT. “Once those have been done, then we can move forward with the design of it,” said Roth.
Property owners adjacent to the intersection, including several local farmers, were invited to attend the discussion and review the proposal.
Those in attendance expressed general support for the project, noting that it is expected to improve safety in the area.
While the Commissioners acknowledged that the roundabout may not eliminate all accidents, it is anticipated to significantly reduce both the severity of crashes and the number of fatalities at the intersection.
The Commissioners approved Resolution 26-0141 to move forward with the proposal.
Prior to the roundabout discussion, an executive session was entered to discuss employment of a public employee. A change order was approved for the North Annex Project for $4,550.
A letter of intent was submitted by the Commissioners backing a funding application for a federal grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The application was made by the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB).
The funding would support “DANI’s Place,” a short-term rehabilitation and stabilization facility for individuals with severe mental health conditions.
There would be a focus on those transitioning from inpatient care or involved in the criminal justice system.
The initiative aims to improve treatment outcomes, reduce untreated mental illness and substance abuse, and provide a cost-effective housing and care option for individuals needing extended support.
The Commissioners emphasized that the funding would strengthen regional resources and help better serve communities dealing with mental health challenges.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m. The next Williams County Commissioner meeting will be held March 24, 2026, at 10 a.m.
For more local news, see Tornado Watch Issued For Williams & Fulton Counties Until 11:00 p.m..
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