Dear Bluffton friends, neighbors, and business owners:

We have ODOT's eyes and ears right now. Please email Kirk Slusher at [email protected]. or call (419) 999-6804 (closed on Columbus Day) about the dangerous conditions at Main St. and College Ave.

ODOT is currently looking at the intersection of Main St. and College Avenue. On Oct. 6, ODOT installed a camera to monitor conditions for a few days. Now is the perfect time to voice your concerns about pedestrian and driver safety in our school zone.

We all know that this is the most dangerous intersection in the village. Since ODOT removed the traffic signal in 2009, we have struggled to deal with the resulting conditions:

- Drivers mostly ignore pedestrians, including students who walk to and from school.
- Distracted driving is common in an intersection that no longer feels like an intersection.
- Drivers entering the downtown area from a 35 mph zone often approach at excessive speeds.
- Drivers needing to cross Main St. on College face long waits and make risky choices in order to cross.
- Students are being discouraged from using the intersection, limiting their freedom and safe walking options.

During the last two years, the Village of Bluffton has made updates to improve visibility and signage. Now, some drivers yield to pedestrians. However, it is still extremely difficult to get drivers heading in both directions to yield, making conditions that are very confusing—especially for children.

In addition to a traffic signal, there are other methods to make the intersection safer at all times. They include:

- A “HAWK” pedestrian-activated red light.
- A blinking yellow beacon.
- Reduced speed limit on Main St. from College Ave. to the village limits.

We have ODOT's eyes and ears right now. Please email Kirk Slusher at [email protected]. or call (419) 999-6804 (closed on Columbus Day) about the dangerous conditions at Main St. and College Ave.

Let's show the deputy director of District 1 that this is a well-known danger zone! Many, many people have had extremely close calls at this location. We should not wait until someone is hurt or killed to make improvements.

For additional information visit https://www.facebook.com/ShareTheRoadBlufftonOH/.
To sign a petition to the Village of Bluffton, visit https://www.change.org/p/improve-crosswalk-signs-state-law-yield-to-pede....

This is a David and Goliath situation. Help little Bluffton be strong!

Paula Scott
365 S. Jackson St.
Bluffton, OH 45817