In the heart of Tiffin, Ohio, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the council chamber to address pressing safety concerns along West Market Street. The recent study, prompted by a troubling accident history that saw 152 incidents over three years—including one fatality—aims to enhance traffic flow and improve safety in this bustling commercial corridor.

The study, conducted by American Structure Point, revealed that the area between US 224 and Hopewell Avenue is in dire need of intervention. With 19 percent of accidents resulting in injuries and a significant number being rear-end collisions, the council recognized the urgency of implementing strategic changes. The good news? There is an unprecedented amount of grant funding available through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), covering up to 90% of project costs, which could reach as high as $5 million.

Key recommendations from the study include reducing the number of commercial access drives, which currently exceed what is necessary, and introducing more control measures along the continuous center left-hand turn lane. A particularly innovative proposal involves creating rear public access roads behind businesses like the Tiffin Mall and Kroger. This would allow customers to navigate between these establishments without having to traverse West Market Street, thereby reducing congestion and enhancing safety.

The council also discussed improvements at the Wentz Street and Market Street intersection, where a new merge lane is proposed to facilitate safer access to the new city street. This intersection has been a hotspot for accidents, and the introduction of channelization bollards aims to mitigate the risks associated with right turns on red.

With an estimated cost of $8.8 million for these improvements, the council is focused on developing a strategic plan for funding and implementation. Following discussions with ODOT, the priority for the first phase of applications will target the area around Teakwood Drive, where the fatal accident occurred. This intersection currently lacks protected left-turn signals, a critical safety feature that could prevent future tragedies.

As the council prepares to submit grant applications later this year, the community watches closely, hopeful that these proposed changes will lead to a safer and more efficient West Market Street. The future of Tiffin’s commercial corridor hangs in the balance, with the promise of improved safety and accessibility on the horizon.