Proposed Traffic Signal Removal (Far Hills and Laurelann)

The traffic signal at Far Hills and Laurelann is being planned for permanent removal. The signal has reached the end of its useful life. After conducting a traffic signal warrant analysis, it was determined that the intersection no longer meets current criteria for traffic volume, delays, accident history, and pedestrian crossing needs to justify maintaining a traffic signal.

The closure is anticipated to start on Dec. 1, 2025.  The traffic signal will operate in flash mode for 90 days, with Far Hills showing a yellow flash (traffic does not have to stop) and Laurelann showing a red flash (operating like a stop sign). Vehicular access to the Georgetown Apartments at the Laurelann intersection will be closed at this time. Following this period, the traffic signals will be turned off and covered for 60 days and permanent stop signs will be installed for west-bound Laurelann traffic. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) requires this 150-day analysis period to evaluate the impact of a traffic signal removal project.

The entire traffic signal system will be removed, including traffic signals, pedestrian signals (walk/don’t walk) and the signal support poles. The west leg of the intersection (Georgetown Apartments entrance) will be closed and filled in. A median will be installed on Far Hills to enhance safety, and improved pedestrian crossing infrastructure will be added on the south side of the intersection to enhance safety. Some street lighting, curb work and additional pedestrian safety measures will also be implemented.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross at the intersection, similar to other unmarked intersections in the area at Westgate and Enid. A new median just south of Laurelann will create a pedestrian refuge island, shortening the crossing distance across Far Hills into two separate sections. Pedestrian crossing on the north side of the intersection will be closed, and a safer crossing will be established on the south side. This will provide safe access to the RTA bus stop on the east side of Far Hills at Laurelann. Construction of the median is planned for late Spring/early Summer.

Yes.  The west entrance to Georgetown Apartments will be closed. Residents will need to use one of the other property entrances for vehicular access to Far Hills. The City is working with the apartment complex to address these changes.

Traffic on SR-48 (Far Hills) will remain as-is.  The City is working with the Kettering Fire Department and Planning & Development Department to ensure emergency access to Georgetown Apartments through the remaining entrances. Fire personnel access and service vehicle routes are being specifically addressed.

When Kettering sought funding from ODOT to replace the aging signal, we were required to conduct a traffic signal warrant study. Both the City’s analysis and an independent third-party consultant determined that the intersection no longer meets the criteria to warrant a traffic signal. Rather than fund the replacement and future maintenance of an unwarranted signal at the City’s expense, we are proposing a more appropriate solution for current traffic conditions.

Not necessarily.  While traffic signals can reduce certain types of accidents, they also experience rear-end collisions and red-light running incidents. When a signal isn’t warranted, these accidents occur without sufficient benefit.  Also, unwarranted signals can cause longer delays for side-street traffic, leading to driver frustration and signal disobedience. The 150-day analysis period will allow us to monitor whether removing the signal creates any safety concerns that need to be addressed. The accident history at this intersection does not meet a threshold to justify keeping the signal.

Updates will be posted on the City’s Engineering page. You can also contact the Engineering Department by phone at 937-296-2436 or by email at KetteringEngineering@ketteringoh.org.