Columbiana council started moving forward with its proposed upgrade of its traffic circle to a single lane roundabout, passing an emergency ordinance Tuesday with Howells and Baird for project civil engineering. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA — The city’s traffic circle that has taught many aspiring drivers etiquette officially has begun its quest to become a much higher functioning roundabout.

During its regular meeting Tuesday, Columbiana Council approved Howells and Baird as the civil engineer for the $1.3 million state approved conversion.

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced the funding in September.

Th city had applied for the funding, after being tasked by council to find a solution to improve safety.

City manager Lance Willard had said the iconic landmark was in the need of upgraded control features and pedestrian crossings, a traffic study showed.

Proposed also was creating a single-lane roundabout with the clock still remaining in the center.

In other action, council approved employment of a deputy finance director as an employment, not identifying the hire.

The next regular council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 at the municipal building.