The Traffic Signalization project, (managed by ODOT) has a new completion date of May 1, 2007. The following items will be addressed:

• All  new traffic signal poles will be operational by that time, although some adjustments may still be required.
• Additional signage will indicate no left turns when RTA signals are lit.
• A timing analysis of various arteries throughout the City begins in December.
• With completion of the Warrensville entrance to Thornton Park on November 22, the signal at that location will be in service.

Benefits of the project include:

• Less neighborhood cut-through traffic. Improving the flow of traffic on the main arteries should reduce driver frustration and the urge to take short cuts.
• Improved safety for emergency vehicles, motorists, and rapid transit riders. Designated intersections will respond to sensors on emergency fire/EMS vehicles, adjusting to accommodate them. Approaching rapid transit trains will trigger “no left turn” signs.
• Improved travel time through and along main roadways. Ten of the City’s 65+  traffic signals will be removed - a decision based on lengthy study and analysis of traffic and pedestrian patterns, per state guidelines (see below).

How ODOT Decides Which Signals Stay and Which Go:

• All 65+ traffic signals were evaluated regarding traffic volume, pedestrian traffic, accident history and peak hour delays. After an extensive evaluation, ODOT determined that the City did not need 14 of the signals.

• Of those 14, the City determined that four signals would be retained, at its own expense, on the basis of extenuating circumstances. Those signals are at the following intersections:

  1. S. Woodland Road - Belvoir Oval

  2. Chagrin Boulevard  - Chelton Road

  3. Lee Road - Library

  4. Center Street - Chagrin Boulevard
     

• The ten remaining signals met none of the criteria for being retained and will be removed. They are:

  1. Southpark Boulevard - Coventry Road

  2. Lee Road - Fernway Road

  3. City Hall - Lee Road

  4. Police Station - Lee Road

  5. Chagrin Boulevard - Menlo Road

  6. Chagrin Boulevard - Ludgate Road

  7. Lee Road - Hampstead Road

  8. Chagrin Boulevard - Lynnfield Road

  9. Shaker Boulevard - RTA Drive

  10. Green Road - Shelburne Road

These ten intersections will be monitored closely for at least 90 days after the project is completed, to see if circumstances have changed.