Roundabout Selected for State Route 65 and Bluelick Road in Allen County

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is pleased to announce the selection of a roundabout as the preferred alternative to improve the intersection at State Route 65 and Bluelick Road north of the city of Lima in Allen County. The decision follows a public meeting and comment period. 

“Ultimately, the roundabout’s ability to significantly enhance safety was the deciding factor,” said ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Chris Hughes. “By implementing a roundabout at this intersection, we will also improve traffic flow and provide a smoother commuting experience for the traveling public.” 

Following a public meeting on Oct. 3, and subsequent review of stakeholder and public feedback, a conventional single-lane roundabout shifted slightly north of the existing intersection was selected to improve safety and congestion.

Other alternatives studied but not selected were adding turn lanes on Bluelick Road, or constructing a roundabout northwest of the existing intersection.  

Public input revealed a preference for a roundabout or support for modifying the current signalized intersection to include extra turn lanes. No major concerns or unexpected issues were raised regarding any option. 

The project will now advance to the detailed design phase. The tentative schedule is as follows: 

• Winter 2024/2025 – Spring 2026: Preliminary and detailed design 
• Fall 2025 – Spring 2027: Right-of-way acquisition  
• Summer 2027 – Fall 2027: Construction  

You can visit State Route 65 & Bluelick Road intersection improvement | Ohio Department of Transportation for more project information and updates.