Salem Av/Shiloh Springs Rd Reconstruction Awarded

By Bruce Kettelle
After considering multiple designs the city of Trotwood recently settled on a more modest modification to realign the sharply angled intersection of Shiloh Springs Rd and Salem Avenue. The construction contract was awarded to RB Jergens for $2,329,277.

Work is expected to begin in June that will get the crossing to be closer to a 90-degree angle. The concept for the realignment arose out of earlier plans to make the former Salem mall site more accessible from Salem Avenue. It should also improve safety at the intersection.

Earlier ambitious plans called for a large traffic circle while another suggested permanently closing Shiloh Spring between Salem Avenue and Denlinger Rd. Those ideas proved to have too many complications and costs, which led to the current configuration.

The plan will create a new road tentatively called Landmark Drive that will intersect with Shiloh Springs Rd about 600 feet east of Salem Av. Planners at the city believe that this new permanent connection with the vacant mall property will help generate new interest from developers.

In addition to the intersection work Jergens also won a $995,560 contract to improve Salem Av from Turner Rd to Salem Bend. That phase includes new sidewalks and stormwater drainage improvements.

Trotwood City Manager Mike Lucking said the construction costs will be paid for through state grants and a federal budget earmark. City leaders worked hard to lobby with US Representative Mike Turner to gain approval of the earmark.

Mayor Darreyl Davis pointed out the council’s travel budget including trips to Washington DC have really paid off.