PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A proposed project could change how people drive on the Fremont Pike by I-75 in Perrysburg.
The Transportation Review Advisory Council approved a 2024 draft list of projects to receive funding.
There were a total of 18 proposed projects released by TRAC, one of which is a diverging diamond at the Fremont Pike exit off I-75.
WTOL 11 interviewed a few people about the current traffic on Fremont Pike and how they think the diamond could change traffic flow.
Kendall Linnenkugel said the road gets backed up during rush hour and she can spend up to 20 minutes in a turning lane.
Giovanni Pezzino doesn't think the traffic is as bad, but "it gets a little slow sometimes, especially with people trying to get on the highway."
However, the diamond, which would cost about $25 million and could come to the Pike as soon as 2026 if approved, could alleviate some of those traffic headaches, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
"Obviously, this corridor is one where we've seen a lot of growth in the traffic volumes, a lot of the businesses that are developing, so we do need to find a new way to move cars through this corridor," said ODOT District 2 spokesperson Kelsie Hoagland.
A roundabout would also be added on the west end of the diamond, according to ODOT's plans.
Hoagland said another diverging diamond in Perrysburg at the SR-25/I-475 interchange has been successful. So, for travelers in the area, the crisscross traffic changeover wouldn't be a new concept.
Perrysburg Township Administrator Jon Eckel provided the following statement on the project:
"The Divergent Diamond Interchange (DDI) appreciably improves traffic flow, vehicular and pedestrian safety. I have full confidence that the proposed DDI on SR 20 will be equally successful in an area that needs to move traffic more efficiently. Like any road construction project, our citizens will have to go through some inconvenience while construction is underway."
Billy Kies agrees with Eckel, saying that the diamond would be beneficial.
"The traffic down here gets bad, so that definitely looks like it would work way better than what's going on right now," he said.
But Linnenkugel, who goes to a nearby gym every day, is worried that the construction would temporarily cause even more traffic.
"Then there's a roundabout, so I think the construction is going to make the traffic a disaster, more than it already is, but I think that end product might be a really good idea," she said.
TRAC will take public comment via email at trac@dot.ohio.gov until Feb. 23 and then vote on Feb. 28 on which of the 18 projects will proceed.