AUSTINTOWN — Residents are now free to tell the Ohio Department of Transportation how they feel about a plan to put a roundabout on state Route 46.

This week, ODOT opened its public comment period for a proposed roundabout at Route 46 and New Road that the department says will minimize crashes in what has been a problem area.

The department first introduced the project in August 2023 and it was met largely with derision from residents. ODOT has allocated about $2.2 million for the project.

ODOT District 11 spokesman Ray Marsch said a study conducted between 2016 and 2021 showed that an average of 18,815 cars per day pass through the intersection, and the intersection saw roughly 45 crashes over that period, with a 45%injury rate.

Many local residents were not moved by the data and said the project is a waste of money that ignores the township’s real needs.

At least one petition circulated in opposition to the project, and urged the state to spend the money instead to install entrance and exit ramps to and from Route 11 at Kirk Road.

A description of the project and the open comment page is available at https://publicinput.com/j8622. The next phase of the project, which is detailed design and right-of-way acquisition, is slated to begin this summer. The project is scheduled to begin construction in spring of 2027.

Township officials say they have been well aware of residents’ concerns and have worked with ODOT to get answers.

“We have served as the conduit for residents to reach out to ODOT, and met with the bank (Associated School Employees Credit Union) and ODOT and they’ve worked through some of their issues,” said Township Administrator Mark D’Apolito.

ASECU CEO Michael Kurish said at the time he was concerned about the roundabout restricting access to his business and others along that stretch.

Trustee Robert Santos said ODOT has been forthcoming with information since last year.

“They’ve let us know about all the steps so we can make sure residents are informed,” he said.

“We have no power or control over this, but we can at least ensure that residents’ concerns are being addressed to ODOT and that ODOT responds to that.”

Santos said residents should use the website to make their comments, but they can reach out to trustees if they do not get a response or need more information.

“If there’s anything people feel is not being addressed through the ODOT website, they can reach out to us and we’ll make sure they get the answer they need and that they do not feel like they are being ignored,” he said.