Press Release - Upcoming Public Open House for Ralston Ave Roundabouts Project

ODOT Project: DEF-SR15-15.28 (PID 120036)

August 19, 2024 – Requests for interpretation services or reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting can be submitted to the contact
below prior to August 30, 2024. Si desea que los materiales de esta reunión se traduzcan al español, comuníquese con Melinda Sprow lo antes posible.
The city of Defiance, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), would like to invite you to an open house to receive your input on the
proposed project to construct single-lane roundabouts at the intersections of Ralston Avenue/Anthony Wayne Boulevard and Ralston Avenue/Latchaw Drive.
Additional improvements include constructing sidewalks along Ralston Avenue.

The intersections of Ralston Avenue/Anthony Wayne Boulevard and Ralston Avenue/Latchaw Drive have demonstrated congestion and safety issues. From
2016-2018 the roadway experienced 35 crashes, and the crash rate exceeds the statewide average for similar roadways. Sidewalks exist within sections of
the project area, but gaps are present in multiple locations. Two singlelane roundabouts and sidewalks are being proposed to address safety and
connectivity issues. We are seeking public feedback on the roundabout layouts prior to finalizing the design and moving into construction.
Permanent and temporary (just for construction) right-of-way will likely be needed for the project. If right-of-way acquisition from your property is
necessary, a real estate representative will contact you directly at a later date to discuss the acquisition process and your rights under that process.
More information on maintaining traffic during construction will be provided as project development advances. Environmental studies are currently underway;
however, no ecological impacts are anticipated. Some utility impacts are expected. The project is tentatively scheduled to begin construction in the
summer of 2026 and will last approximately 6 months. Diehl Park, which has an entrance on Ralston Avenue, is expected to be impacted
during the construction of this project. Diehl Park is a 39.77-acre park consisting of baseball fields, shelter houses and a playground. Diehl Park is
a recognized recreational property and is protected from adverse impacts associated with federal-aid transportation projects. The city of Defiance and
ODOT District 1 consulted with the city’s parks department regarding project impacts and measures to minimize harm and received concurrence that the project
will not adversely affect the recreational activities, features, or attributes that qualify the property for protection.

ODOT and the city of Defiance are seeking public input regarding the proposed project and its impacts. To ensure the proposed project is viable and successful, we are asking all those interested to attend and participate in this public open house. We hope you can join us at the following date and time:

Date: September 17, 2024
Location: ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital, Meeting Room
(1200 Ralston Ave, Defiance, OH 43512)
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM

As this is an open house meeting, you’re welcome to stop by whenever is convenient for you between 5:30 – 7:30 pm to view project exhibits, chat with
project team members, and submit comments at your leisure. No formal presentation will be given. Project information and materials are available online. If you cannot attend the open house in person, all exhibits shown at the open house will be available on the project website immediately following the open house by
visiting the website:** www.defiance-oh.civilspace.io/en/projects/ralstonavenue-roundabouts** Comments can be submitted through the project website, mail, email, and by phone to the project manager at the following contact information:

Melinda K. Sprow
Phone: 419-784-2249
Email: msprow@cityofdefiance.com
Address: 631 Perry Street, Defiance, OH 43512

Comments are welcome at any time; however, those submitted by October 17, 2024, will be documented in the public input summary report, and will
include responses to all comments submitted during the public comment period. Public participation in this project is solicited without regard to
race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.