City engineer says road diet on Sandusky Street is feasible and could improve pedestrian safety

City engineer Jonathan presented a traffic and safety study of Sandusky Street from Olentangy Avenue to Central Avenue that tested whether a so‑called "road diet" — a reduction in through lanes — could work without degrading operations. The study used 2022–24 crash data and traffic projections for 2050 and concluded the corridor could operate at acceptable levels of service with fewer travel lanes while improving pedestrian safety and shortening crosswalk distances.

Jonathan said the corridor had 141 reported crashes from 2022–24 (29 with minor injuries and two serious injuries, no fatalities) and that projected 2050 volumes are about 9,000 vehicles per day — below a common 10,000‑vehicle threshold where road diets are frequently feasible. Modeling of peak hours showed the worst intersections would operate at level‑of‑service C under the proposed configurations. The presentation included visual simulations and suggested next steps: striping changes during routine resurfacing, coordination with a potential Columbia Gas downtown project and further preliminary engineering funded in the CIP if council elects to move forward.

Commissioners expressed mixed reactions — some voiced concern about reducing lanes in a growing city and how that perception might affect future levy campaigns; the engineer said public engagement and detailed design would be part of any implementation.