By Kristin Rover
Staff staff

The worst is over when it comes to construction in Eastgate, according to Clermont County Engineer Patrick Manger, and just in time for the holiday shopping season.

“The bulk of the work is done,” Manger said about the construction. “Things are getting better.”

Manger said they have completed work on Eastgate Boulevard and have re-opened ramps onto state Route 32 from Eastgate Boulevard.

“Over the next several weeks the changes people will see revolve around 275,” Manger said.

Manger said those changes include switching the traffic lanes at the I-275/32 intersection in order to complete the other side of the I-275 bridge construction. The tunnel that will allow drivers to continue east on state Route 32 from I-275 without stopping will also open.

“Right now everyone comes to the light off 275,” Manger said. “Through the first of the year, the tunnel will be open to eastbound-only traffic.”

Manger said the changes will speed up traffic by giving drivers another choice.

He said once that work is complete, contractors will begin building a raised ramp over I-275 to allow southbound I-275 drivers to exit east on SR 32 without stopping.

“That’s the last piece of the puzzle,” Manger said.

He said as construction continues they will be opening up more options for drivers, which will continue to improve traffic in the area.

“We are at a phase now where we are giving things back to the motorists,” Manger said.

Manger said there are two separate projects that will also help ease traffic in the Eastgate area.

He said the Ivy Pointe Extension project is underway, and the Aicholtz Road Connector project will start next fall.

The Ivy Pointe project will extend the road beyond the Ferguson Drive intersection to connect to Aicholtz Road.

The Aicholtz Road Connector project will involve the construction of an underpass that will allow drivers to go under I-275 and will connect to Old State Route 74.

Manger said they are also working on plans for the next stage of SR 32 improvements from Glen Este Withamsville Road to Olive Branch Stonelick Road in Union and Batavia townships.

“We are in the planning stages,” Manger said.

He said a preferred alternative has been selected for the $80 million project that will include the construction of interchanges on and off SR 32 as well as local road improvements to Old SR 74 and Clepper Lane.

“With the changes it accommodates safety but also access and mobility,” Manger said about the project.

Manger said it’s difficult to make everyone happy when planning for major road construction, but he said the option they chose did receive the most positive feedback from the public.

“We’ve tried to fit things in the best we can,” Manger said about construction. “Long-term improvements mean short-term changes.”

Manger said they have not secured funding for the next stage of SR 32 improvements yet.

He said funding comes from the state as well as the Clermont Transportation Improvement District, which is made up of the local jurisdictions, the county, and other agencies.

He said the SR 32 improvements are larger than anything they’ve ever done before.

“It’s unprecedented,” Manger said.

For more information about construction projects in Clermont County visit www.goclermont.org.