MLK Parkway Improvements

The 0.25 mile stretch of Martin Luther King Parkway (MLK Pkwy), from the East Main Cross Street intersection to the Clinton Court intersection, was plagued with flooding  issues caused by the Blanchard River. DGL’s team completed a preliminary study of the area in 2017, including a topographic survey. Following the County’s review of the findings, it was determined that raising the roadway profile by 2 to 3 inches in low areas would be required to reduce or altogether eliminate the intersection flooding.

The 5-leg intersection with East Main Cross Street had low terrain and was located in a downtown setting. It suffered from encroachment issues with neighboring commercial properties, including conflicts with office buildings, a car dealership, and a local hotel. DGL reduced encroachment on the car dealership to the fullest possible extent with the design of a minimal retaining wall.

A new super-elevation turn, north of the initial project site, tying MLK Pkwy into Blanchard Street was also implemented as part of the project.

The project was finished in 2021 and no flooding has been encountered since its completion. Emergency vehicles, local industry, and visitors to downtown Findlay are able to safely travel across the Blanchard River with minimal risk of encountering flooded streets.