New Richmond is bracing for a big change on U.S. 52, where a long‑planned makeover would swap four traditional intersections for four single‑lane roundabouts and slim the highway down through the village core. Village leaders say the redesign will slow drivers, cut down on serious crashes and finally knit the riverfront to downtown. Fans of the plan see safer crossings and a boost for local businesses; skeptics see headaches for semis, delivery trucks and anyone who just wants a simple left turn.
What the project would do
The proposal calls for single‑lane roundabouts at Front, Sycamore, Walnut and Augusta streets, along with a “road diet” that narrows the current four‑lane stretch of U.S. 52 to two lanes. The freed‑up space would make room for a shared‑use path for people walking and biking and create safer pedestrian crossings through the village center.
The project, listed as CLE‑US 52‑4.67 (PID 114042), is expected to start construction in 2027 and take roughly two years to complete, according to the official project page. Detailed maps, exhibits and a virtual comment portal running through June 30, 2026 are posted by the Ohio Department of Transportation on its engagement site: ODOT.
How it is getting paid for
Village councilman Larry Prues told reporters the work is slated to be funded mostly by grants totaling about $12.5 million, with New Richmond itself chipping in roughly $600,000. Prues also told WCPO he is “98% certain this project is a go.” Those figures and comments were reported by WCPO.
Backers tout safety and business boosts
Supporters, including local business and nonprofit leaders, argue that single‑lane roundabouts force drivers to slow down and sharply cut the kinds of high‑speed crashes that lead to serious injuries and deaths. They also see a friendlier, less intimidating U.S. 52 that makes it easier for residents and visitors to reach riverfront shops and restaurants without feeling like they are dashing across a mini freeway.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has published statewide data indicating single‑lane roundabouts can substantially reduce injury crashes, a key talking point for officials pushing the design. For ODOT’s analysis and crash figures, see the department bulletin from ODOT.
Neighbors worry about trucks and day‑to‑day life
Plenty of residents are not sold yet. Some told WCPO they fear tighter circles will be tough for large semis, dump trucks and delivery vehicles to handle, and that standard traffic signals feel more predictable and familiar. One resident said she “does not think roundabouts are a good idea.”
Others are ready to give it a whirl. Residents, including Andrew Thorman, said they support the change, arguing that the new layout should smooth traffic flow instead of clogging it. Local reporting has documented similar pushback and mixed reviews in earlier rounds of discussion when the plan resurfaced in 2025 and in prior years.
How to weigh in on the plan
Officials are hosting an in‑person open house tonight (Wednesday) from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Richmond Preparatory Academy, 212 Market St. A virtual open house and comment portal are also available through June 30. Residents can review exhibits and submit feedback via the project engagement page maintained by ODOT.
If funding and design are finalized after the public‑input period, village leaders say construction could follow the 2027 timetable outlined on the project page.
With most grant money tentatively lined up and the comment window open, New Richmond officials say they will listen to public feedback before locking in the final design and schedule. For a small river village, the roundabout debate is turning into a very local test of how safety goals, economic hopes, and the realities of truck traffic can all collide on one busy federal highway running straight through downtown.
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