Proposed Changes to the Powell Road Crosswalk

If you've crossed Powell Road (SR 750) at Wellington Boulevard, you know it can be challenging. The existing pedestrian crossing was installed to help residents safely cross one of the busiest roads in our area, but many neighbors have expressed concerns that the current location creates safety issues because of high traffic speeds and limited visibility.

Over the past several years, the Wedgewood Homeowners Association has worked with Liberty Township, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and other local officials to explore ways to improve pedestrian safety. One of the community's primary requests has been the installation of a full traffic signal at Wellington Boulevard.

Unfortunately, an ODOT traffic study found that the intersection does not meet the criteria to warrant a traffic signal. While this was disappointing news for many residents, discussions about improving safety have continued.

Rather than installing a traffic light, ODOT has proposed relocating the existing pedestrian crossing farther east, closer to the existing traffic signal near Kroger and Wendy's. The current crossing is just beyond a sweeping curve for eastbound traffic on Powell Road, where vehicles often travel at higher speeds. By the time drivers reach the crossing, they may have less time to react to pedestrians entering the roadway.

A key part of the proposal is the construction of a new five-foot-wide sidewalk along the south side of Powell Road. The sidewalk would begin at Wellington Boulevard and extend east to the existing traffic signal at Kroger and Wendy's, with a future extension continuing to Sawmill Road. This isn't simply an added amenity; it is the critical link that makes the relocated crosswalk practical. The new sidewalk will provide pedestrians with a safe, continuous route to the new crossing, encouraging them to use the relocated crosswalk rather than attempting to cross at the current location. The goal is to guide pedestrians to a safer crossing point where motorists have better visibility and more time to react.

The proposal would not only improve pedestrian safety but also create a continuous pedestrian connection between Wedgewood and nearby shopping, restaurants, parks, and other destinations that many residents already walk to. It would make it possible to travel between the neighborhood and these amenities without having to walk along the edge of Powell Road or cross at the existing location.

Preliminary estimates provided by Liberty Township place the total project cost at approximately $750,000. The estimate includes sidewalk construction, ODOT design work, relocation of the HAWK pedestrian beacon, right-of-way acquisition, utility coordination, and project contingencies.

Liberty Township is currently pursuing grant funding through the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The initial funding application is scheduled to be submitted this summer, with a more detailed application to follow. Funding decisions are expected later this year or early next year. If funding is awarded, the project would then move into final design and construction planning.

The Wedgewood HOA will continue working with Liberty Township, ODOT, Delaware County, and our local elected officials to advocate for safer pedestrian access across Powell Road while keeping residents informed as the project moves forward.

While this project is still in the planning stages, everyone involved shares the same objective: creating a safer way for residents of all ages to walk between Wedgewood and the businesses, restaurants, and services along Powell Road.

As additional information becomes available, the Wedgewood HOA will continue providing updates to the community.