Lakewood Unveils Roundabout to Enhance Traffic Safety and Community

The $11 million Lake-Clifton Connector Project aims to transform a busy intersection into a pedestrian-friendly hub.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:45am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a busy intersection, with cars, pedestrians, and cyclists visible in soft pools of warm color and light, conveying a sense of movement and community around the central roundabout.The upcoming Lake-Clifton Connector Project in Lakewood promises to transform a busy intersection into a safer, more pedestrian-friendly hub for the community.Lakewood Today

The upcoming Lake-Clifton Connector Project in Lakewood, Ohio, is a $11 million initiative that will introduce the city's first roundabout at the intersection of Lake Road and Clifton Boulevard. The project also includes narrowing the road to two lanes, creating buffered bike lanes, adding new crosswalks with rapid-flashing beacons, and installing decorative lighting to improve safety and restore a sense of community to the area.

Why it matters

The project is designed to reverse the negative impacts of Route Two, which disrupted the neighborhood's fabric in the 1960s. By reducing the road to two lanes, the initiative aims to create a more intimate and residential atmosphere, moving away from the current interstate-like feel. The collaboration between Cuyahoga County and the cities of Lakewood and Rocky River demonstrates how local governments can work together to bring about positive change in their communities.

The details

The Lake-Clifton Connector Project will transform a heavily trafficked stretch of road into a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment. The centerpiece of the project is the introduction of Lakewood's first roundabout, which will serve as a pivotal point for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. In addition to the roundabout, the project will narrow the road to two lanes, create buffered bike lanes, add new crosswalks with rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, and install decorative lighting to enhance the area's aesthetics.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lake-Clifton Connector Project is approaching.

The players

Mayor Meghan George

The mayor of Lakewood, whose statement highlights the project's potential to reverse the negative impacts of Route Two and restore a sense of community to the Clifton Park area.

Cuyahoga County

The county that is collaborating with the cities of Lakewood and Rocky River on the Lake-Clifton Connector Project.

City of Lakewood

One of the cities collaborating on the Lake-Clifton Connector Project, which will introduce Lakewood's first roundabout.

City of Rocky River

One of the cities collaborating on the Lake-Clifton Connector Project, which aims to foster a more unified and integrated community between Lakewood and Rocky River.

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What they’re saying

“By reducing the road to two lanes, the project aims to create a more intimate and residential atmosphere, moving away from the interstate-like feel it currently possesses.”

— Mayor Meghan George

What’s next

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lake-Clifton Connector Project is approaching, marking the start of the construction process.

The takeaway

The Lake-Clifton Connector Project is a testament to the power of urban planning and collaboration between local governments to transform a community. By introducing a roundabout, narrowing the road, and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, the project aims to create a safer, more vibrant, and more connected neighborhood for the residents of Lakewood and Rocky River.