Fairfield OKs property sale to clear the way for a much-anticipated roundabout

INITIAL REPORT: Fairfield drivers should get ready for city’s first modern roundabout

The move comes a few days after the city requested bids from contractors to build the roundabout at Gray and River roads in western Fairfield. The Ohio Public Works Commission awarded a $400,000 grant to help pay for the project, which is estimated to cost more than $580,000.

The city’s finance department must receive sealed roundabout construction proposals by 3 p.m. on Feb. 11. Construction is slated for this summer.

City officials have said the roundabout to be built at Gray and River roads is meant to be “traffic calming” and constructed ahead of the development and expansion of Marsh Park. It’s also to serve as an extension of the Great Miami River Trail through Marsh Park, which will cross River Road near the roundabout area. The project is also being driven by the city’s first dog park, south of where the roundabout will be built.

The roundabout is similar to the modern roundabouts constructed by the Butler County Engineer’s Office. However, this will be a three-way roundabout as opposed to the traditional four-way roundabouts.

Construction of the upgraded intersection will include drainage improvements, curb and ditch improvements, an overlay of the entire road, and LED lighting by Duke Energy, said Fairfield City Engineer Ben Mann.