Access changes at U.S. 24 and County Road 143 intersection in Paulding County begin Monday

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 is working with local officials to improve safety at the intersection of U.S. 24 and County Road 143. The modifications are needed due to the traffic volume, recent crashes, and new development nearby.

The median at the intersection will be modified to limit all intersection traffic to right turns only with the exception of U.S. 24 westbound. Taking into account the predominant movement to the city of Defiance, the left turn from U.S. 24 westbound to County Road 143 southbound will continue to be available. 

“This intersection has seen serious crashes, and we do not want to wait to make changes. Our goal is to reduce the potential of serious crashes and help everyone get home safely. These modifications will provide an added layer of safety while we work toward a long-term solution,” said ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Chris Hughes.

The move is an interim solution, made in coordination with local officials, while ODOT applies for funding in the March 2027 application cycle from Ohio’s Highway Safety Program to design and build a reduced collision U-turns (R-CUT).  If approved, funding would likely be in 2031 or later.

On Monday, Sept. 29, ODOT crews will use barrels to close off the U.S. 24 eastbound left turn lane and mark out the course of the remaining westbound left turn lane through the median. A message board will be posted eastbound to inform motorists of the change. Barricades will be posted in the median directing both northbound and southbound County Road 143 traffic to make right turns only. Crews will follow at a later date to remove pavement and paint new roadway markings.

Signs on U.S. 24 and the local roads approaching the intersection will be modified to reflect the change in access. 

ODOT will coordinate with local emergency services to determine if emergency median turnarounds are necessary to facilitate response.