During the recent Tiffin City Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, discussions centered around the concept of road diets, particularly concerning Monroe and Jefferson Streets. Council members expressed interest in understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing road diets compared to reverting these streets to two-lane traffic.

The city’s infrastructure currently supports one-way streets, and reverting to two lanes would require significant investment in reconfiguring traffic signals and intersections. City officials highlighted that Monroe and Jefferson Streets are underutilized, suggesting that maintaining the current one-lane approach could be more cost-effective in the long run. The proposed road diet aims to enhance safety by narrowing the road, which could help reduce vehicle speeds and create safer intersections, especially near schools.

Additionally, the road diet could facilitate increased on-street parking. The council discussed innovative parking solutions, such as reverse angle parking, which allows vehicles to back into spaces for improved visibility when exiting. This approach could alleviate some of the challenges associated with traditional parallel parking.

While the council acknowledged that any changes would not be implemented until 2030 and beyond, the discussions emphasized the importance of aligning the city’s infrastructure with its functional needs. The meeting concluded without further questions, but the dialogue on road diets reflects a proactive approach to urban planning and community safety in Tiffin.