Traffic signal upgrades on East State Street in Athens are expected to reduce congestion
By: Morgan Anderson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Rush hour on East State Street in Athens may soon get a little smoother, thanks to a new city project aimed at improving traffic flow.
On Feb. 3, Athens City Council passed an ordinance to authorize the East State Street Signal Improvements Project, which was introduced by Transportation Committee Chair Solveig Spjeldnes. The construction contract was signed on Feb. 21.
The initiative, currently in the design phase, will upgrade traffic signals along East State Street from May Street to The Market on State near Lowe’s. The improvements are part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Statewide Signal Timing and Phasing Program and aim to adjust signal timing to better manage heavy traffic. The city received an ODOT Small Cities Congestion Mitigation Grant of $429,658.
“The goal is that we’ll see less backup at some of the major intersections, like the 33 interchange,” said Gillian Garland, assistant Athens city engineer.
The project will involve new traffic controllers and fiber optic cables being installed, costing approximately $600,000 with the grant money in total.
According to ODOT, well-timed corridors reduce delays and improve travel reliability by minimizing stops along major roadways. These improvements can also lead to a reduction in crashes, fuel consumption and emissions, as traffic signals are optimized to match typical driving speeds and conditions.
Signal timing optimization is a more affordable and effective solution than road widening or major infrastructure projects, according to ODOT. High-crash intersections and congested corridors — identified through ODOT’s congestion model and local government reports — are prioritized for these improvements.
In some cases, side-street drivers may experience a slight increase in wait times — typically five to 10 seconds — to allow for more movement on major roads. However, once on East State Street, drivers should experience a more continuous flow of traffic.
Garland said the project will have minimal impact on daily commutes, as no flagging will occur during peak traffic hours.
The construction will start later this month and is expected to be completed this fall.