MAUMEE, Ohio — The intersection of Gibbs Street and Indiana Avenue reopened Tuesday after a little over 90 days of construction, a project that culminated in the installation of a roundabout.
Prior to construction, Gibbs and Indiana was a four-way stop. Now, the intersection includes a one-lane roundabout, circling a newly-planted tree decorated with purple lights.
On Wednesday, Maumee City Council member Scott Noonan told WTOL 11 the roundabout project had been first conceptualized several years ago when the police department asked the city to examine traffic issues in the area, including crashes.
Noonan said construction on the roundabout was done in part as an element of Maumee's revitalization, but also to promote traffic safety.
"I think a lot of people were concerned with this, as well as other construction, but I think it's going to be a positive thing," Noonan said.
According to Noonan, the city secured $900,000 in federal grant money for the project, while Maumee contributed $400,000 to construction costs. Construction was completed by Vernon Nagel, Inc.
A press release from the city of Maumee in August said while the project was expected to last until Nov. 30, the intersection itself would only be closed for 60 days after Sept. 5. In total, Gibbs and Indiana was closed for 92 days.
Noonan told WTOL 11 the delay in reopening the area had to do with securing lighting to protect pedestrians, especially students and children, in the intersection. The roundabout was built at the intersection nearest Maumee Middle School.
A Maumee City Schools spokesperson said in a request for comment the district was very happy to have the intersection reopened. The spokesperson also said the project was specifically a city of Maumee project, not a school district project.
The roundabout was one of many projects in Maumee in the last few years. Construction on Conant Street - the main street that divides uptown Maumee south of the Anthony Wayne Trail - drew criticism from some after the formerly four-lane street was reduced to two lanes. The changes often led to slower traffic.
Some residents and business owners were upset with how the flow of traffic impacted life and small shops, while others said the changes could attract new customers and residents.
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