Traffic movements onto and across state Route 309 from Napoleon Road near Allen East School will be restricted beginning Friday, March 10.

From 7:30-8:30 a.m., and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on school days, traffic will be prohibited from turning left from Napoleon Road onto state Route 309, and from crossing state Route 309 from Napoleon Road. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will have signs denoting the change in place by noon on March 10.

The new signage will be placed on the far driver’s side on both the north and south approaches on Napoleon Road in clear sight of traffic stopped at the intersection.

By restricting traffic movements during particular times, ODOT and Allen East school officials hope to reduce the likelihood that accidents will occur at the intersection. Since 2010, 14 of the 27 reported crashes have occurred during the designated restricted hours, and 23 of the 27 crashes have been angle crashes.

Lt. David Brown, post commander at the Lima post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said law enforcement will monitor the intersection for adherence. “The instructions on the signs are not a suggestion. They are the law and it will be enforced,” said Brown. “We, like ODOT, are intensely focused on doing what’s possible to keep motorists safe,” he said.

The signage is the most recent addition to a series of safety upgrades made by ODOT at the intersection. Dual oversized “Stop” signs on Napoleon Road, dual flashing “Intersection Ahead” signs, and relocated signage to improve sight distance are the most notable improvements. In addition, the patrol has established an authorized air speed zone in the area of Allen East school.

“Nothing is a substitute for engaged, attentive driving, but restricting traffic movements at the intersection during peak times will hopefully further reduce the potential for accidents,” said Kirk Slusher, ODOT District 1 deputy director.

Slusher said the signs will remain in place throughout the year but the restriction will not be enforced when school is not in session.