Callender Facilitates Communication and Resolution for Local Officials and ODOT on U.S. Route 20 Dispute

After weeks of uncertainty, State Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord) had the opportunity to provide clarity and resolve conflict between local officials and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) on an issue regarding the possibility of reducing the number of lanes on U.S. Route 20.

ODOT has been waiting on the results of a study designed to determine whether U.S. 20 traffic could be handled with three lanes instead of four, to look at crashes and determine whether three lanes would be safer, and perform signal warrant analysis at the unsignalized intersections. During this process, Madison Township, supported by other local officials, opposed what they believed was a finalized plan to reduce U.S. 20 to three lanes.

“After several weeks of conversation with Madison Township and officials at ODOT, it was pretty clear that there had been a misunderstanding somewhere in the process,” said Callender. “I am happy to have been able to facilitate the conversation and I am pleased to see us moving towards a positive outcome.”

Earlier today, ODOT sent a clarifying letter to the Madison Board of Trustees assuring officials the lane reduction had not been finalized and with the study review being completed this week, ODOT would be recommending that U.S. 20 remain four lanes. Additionally, ODOT provided that after the stay-at-home orders end they are wanting to meet with local officials to review the report and their further recommendations.

“It is great to have been able to provide these funds, and with this resolution, all parties are happy with the use of them. Residents of Madison and Eastern Lake County will have a newly surfaced road, without disruption to the current traffic pattern,” Callender said. “I want to thank Trustee Ken Gauntner and Commissioner John Hamercheck for bringing this issue to my attention. Thanks to their diligence and support, I was able to intercede with ODOT to get a favorable result for Lake County."

U.S. Route 20 is a crucial resource for the community and the 61st Ohio House District and serves as an evacuation route in the event of an emergency situation at the Perry Plant.