Roundabout Plans Causing Consternation In Solon

Twinsburg's plans to build two roundabouts on Darrow Road are causing some concerns north of the border in Solon.

The concerns came about in Solon as council members there are looking to hire a new traffic engineering firm. One of the companies up for the contract is GPD, which is designing the roundabouts for Twinsburg.

Solon councilmen have said that while they understand Twinsburg is relying on the judgement of their experts, Solon officials have general concerns about what the roundabouts will do to traffic in their city.

Solon Councilman Rick Bell said that Solon has a traffic light just over the border that cost the city $250,000. He's uncertain how that light will be affected by the roundabouts.

He said that GPD is already being paid by Twinsburg for the roundabouts, and he is uncertain if they have Solon's best interest in mind since the company is in favor of the roundabouts.

"They are being paid by another city without respect for how it impacts our city," Bell said.

Many Twinsburg residents have also been leery of the roundabouts, which are scheduled to be built in two phases. The plan is to build two roundabouts on Darrow Road, the first at Glenwood Drive and the second at Meadowood Boulevard and Ethan's Drive.

The project is expected to cost about $8 million, with the city paying about $1.6 million and the rest paid for with grants.

The first roundabout is expected to be built in 2014.