Approved: Roundabout with Bike Lanes Coming to Lighthouse Village Plaza

In a move aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety, Lorain City Council has approved plans to install a multi-lane roundabout in the Lighthouse Village shopping plaza, the busy retail area home to Walmart, Home Depot, and Kohl’s.

According to city planners, the project is part of a larger effort to modernize traffic management in high-traffic commercial zones. Construction is scheduled to begin on April 15th, with completion expected later this year.

The roundabout will be located at the main intersection connecting the three major retailers, a spot frequently criticized for congestion and confusing right-of-way situations.

Key Features:

• Multi-lane roundabout with dedicated entrances from all plaza access points
• Protected bike lanes integrated into the roundabout, designed to improve cyclist visibility and safety
• Improved signage and pedestrian crossings throughout the plaza
• A center island “traffic calming feature” (plans currently show a preserved pothole as a nod to local driving culture)

“The goal is to make the area safer, especially during peak shopping hours,” said Transportation Coordinator Lynn Powers. “This layout has been proven to reduce collision points and improve overall vehicle flow.”

Some residents expressed skepticism about how a roundabout will function in a plaza known for unpredictable driving behavior. Still, planners are optimistic that with proper signage and driver education, it will be a smooth transition.

In the meantime, temporary traffic patterns will be in place during construction. Shoppers are advised to use caution and maybe review how roundabouts work.