FR council moves to re-route Ohio 49

FORT RECOVERY — A state highway’s route may change through the village.

Fort Recovery Village Council authorized an amendment Monday to re-route Ohio 49 from Wayne, Butler and Elm streets to Broadway and Elm streets. The decision next moves to Ohio Department of Transportation for approval.

Hopes for the state route change are to eliminate truck traffic through the downtown area as well as the amount of tight turns and resulting accidents. (The current truck route is designated for Broadway and Elm streets, but it does not stop all trucks from traveling the designated path for Ohio 49.)

Currently, traffic driving on Ohio 49 through the village turns at the intersections with Wayne Street, Butler Street and Elm Street through the downtown area. Driving through the proposed route would require only one turn at the intersection of Broadway and Elm streets.

The new route has been a plan in the works for years, with reconstruction of Broadway and Elm streets starting in August 2020. Construction work was completed on Broadway Street from the intersections of Wayne and First streets and on Elm Street from the intersections of Butler and Broadway streets. Both streets were completely rebuilt with new bases, asphalt and stormwater catch basins. A wider turn radius was also added at the intersection of Broadway and Elm streets for semis to more easily maneuver.

“I think the importance is just dealing with the trucks,” said village administrator Randy Diller this morning.

“From the truck standpoint, it eliminates three turns with one easy, sweeping turn, so trucks aren’t going to be backing up or creating issues at corners where they have for years.”

In other news, council:

•Learned recommendations for amending the zoning ordinance will be reviewed Dec. 20.

•Appointed Jose Faller to Fort Recovery Park Board.

•OK’d a five-year farm lease with Mitch Hemmelgarn for 13 acres.