The City of Massillon, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), is planning improvements at two intersections: State Route (SR) 21/Lake Avenue and 1st Street/Lake Avenue.

 

A traffic study was recently completed to evaluate several preliminary alternatives for improving traffic operations and safety at these closely spaced intersections. The City of Massillon is seeking public input on alternatives before selecting the preferred alternative. The proposed project also includes a shared-use path in all alternatives along the south side of Lake Ave to connect the Ohio & Erie Canal—Towpath Trail to the existing sidewalk network along Lake Ave. The exhibits developed with the study are conceptual so please note, the project footprint may change as the design progresses.

 

A summary of each alternative evaluated is below:

 

Alternative 1/No Build: Upgraded traffic signals and maintaining the existing lane configurations at the SR 21/Lake Ave and 1st St/Lake Ave intersections. Signal timings and phasing will be optimized. Construction of a shared use-path and updated crosswalks on the southern side of Lake Ave.

 

Alternative 2: Multi-lane roundabout at the intersection of SR 21/Lake Ave. and a roundabout at the intersection of 1st St/Lake Ave with two eastbound lanes. Construction of a shared use-path and updated crosswalks on the southern side of Lake Ave.

 

Alternative 3: Signalized RCUT at the intersection at SR 21/Lake Ave. and a roundabout with two eastbound lanes at the intersection of 1st St/Lake Ave. Construction of a shared use-path and updated crosswalks on the southern side of Lake Ave.

 

Alternative 4: Upgrade traffic signals and widen Lake Ave. to add additional turn lanes at the intersections of SR 21/Lake Ave and 1st St/Lake Ave. Existing lanes to remain the same on SR 21. Construction of a shared use-path and updated crosswalks on the southern side of Lake Ave.

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Alternative 5: Widened Lake Ave. to add additional turn lanes and an upgraded traffic signal at the intersection or SR 21/ Lake Ave.  Hybrid roundabout with two eastbound lanes at the intersection of

1st St/Lake Ave. Existing lanes to remain the same on SR 21. Construction of a shared use-path and updated crosswalks on the southern side of Lake Ave.

 

What’s an RCUT?

An RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-turn) is a non-traditional intersection designed to enhance safety at intersections along multi-lane divided roadways. In the RCUT configuration mentioned above, Lake Ave traffic is prohibited from traveling straight through or turning left onto SR 21. Instead, traffic will turn right and make a legal U-turn at a new traffic signal just north or south of the SR 21/Lake Ave intersection. Note: There is an existing unsignalized RCUT at the SR 21 and Butterbridge Road intersection north of this proposed project.

 

Current Project Status

Massillon was awarded $4.1M in federal funding for this project; however, additional funding will be required. The city is in the process of applying for additional funding.

 

Public input is an important part of the project development and provides valuable feedback that helps guide decision-making through all phases of development. There are two ways to view the project information. First, an in-person open house public meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm at the Massillon Recreation Center (Community Rooms A and B) at 505 Erie Street North. A second option is viewing the materials included on this link. The materials included on this link are the same materials that will also be available at the open house public meeting.

 

You may provide feedback at the public meeting, on this webpage (comment form section below), or by email, phone, or mail on a comment form, by the following methods:

 

• Email: apitts@massillonohio.gov

• Phone: (330) 830-1722

• Mail: Comment form (located for download on this webpage) or a letter to: City Engineer, City of  Massillon, 151 Lincoln Way East, Massillon, Ohio 44646 

 

Please provide your feedback, comments, or concerns on the project. Comments from the public outreach will be compiled and reviewed as apart of the public involvement process. We will take all comments into consideration during the project development and a response will be provided to all written comments. You may submit questions or comments no later than January 16, 2026.