Clermont County Transportation Improvement District officials provide update on major SR 32 Improvements that support travel to and from Eastgate retail shopping center
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, and the related rush to multiple shopping and retail destinations in the Eastgate area, Clermont County transportation officials today provided an update on the significant work that has taken place to make travel safer for all motorists who drive through the Eastgate area.
“We recognize that there will be a significant influx of traffic moving in and out of the Eastgate area during this time of year,” said Clermont County Engineer Pat Manger, “and we’ve been working closely with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to ensure our improvement work makes it safer and easier to get where you want to go – during the holiday shopping season and all year round.”
To highlight some of the major improvement work that has taken place over the last several months, Manger offered a Top 10 list of Improvements that will improve safety and travel in the Eastgate retail hub and throughout the surrounding area:
Manger’s Top 10 List of Safety Improvements; made possible by the Clermont County Transportation Improvement District and the Ohio Department of Transportation:
10. COMPLETED: Eastgate North Frontage Road (Eastgate Improvements, Phase 1)
The Eastgate North Frontage Road improvements project included lane realignments and roadway access changes to allow traffic to move through the intersection at Eastgate Boulevard more efficiently.
9. COMPLETED: Reconstruction of Eastgate Boulevard over SR 32 (Eastgate Improvements, Phase 2)
This project included the reconstruction and widening of the Eastgate Boulevard structure over SR 32 and the relocation and reconstruction of several ramps to and from SR 32.
8. ELIMINATED: Multiple conflict points where traffic was forced to merge and weave in a very short distance
Two conflict points eliminated on I-275:
On I-275 southbound with traffic trying to enter from SR 32 westbound and exit to SR 32 eastbound
On I-275 northbound with traffic trying to enter from SR 32 eastbound and exit to SR 32 westbound
Four conflict points eliminated on SR 32:
On SR 32 westbound with traffic trying to enter I-275 southbound and exit from I-275 northbound
On SR 32 eastbound with traffic trying to enter I-275 northbound and exit from I-275 southbound
Between traffic moving on SR 32 westbound, multiple ramps from Eastgate Boulevard and the on-ramp to I-275 northbound
Between traffic moving on SR 32 eastbound, multiple ramps to and from Eastgate Boulevard and the off-ramp to I-275 northbound
Engineer Manger noted that while on paper these conflict points may appear somewhat technical, their elimination and related traffic pattern improvements will dramatically improve safety for drivers at the I-275/SR 32 Interchange.
Steve Mary, ODOT District 8 Deputy Director, echoed Manger’s comments and reiterated that ODOT’s work at the I-275/SR 32 Interchange will dramatically improve safety, saying, “If only the above improvements were completed, it would have a tremendous impact on safety for drivers.” Mary continued, “But together with the supporting local network improvements being completed by the Clermont County Transportation Improvement District, this area will be noticeably safer for all who travel in and around Eastgate.”
7. COMPLETED: Two of four new bridge structures that will facilitate the connection of Aicholtz Road from Bells Lane to Eastgate Boulevard. The third bridge is expected to be completed by the end of this year and the construction of the final bridge will begin in January of 2015 and be completed by spring.
6. COMPLETED: US 50/SR 131 Milford Parkway Improvements
This project involved widening portions of both US 50 and SR 131, making improvements to the turning lanes to improve the flow of traffic through the area, and traffic signal timing upgrades. It also provided a sidewalk extension to create better access to the River’s Edge/Milford Commerce Park area.
5. COMPLETED: Wards Corner Widening Project
This project included the construction of a new section of roadway off of Wards Corner Road, and included widening a portion of Wards Corner to three lanes to include a turn lane. This project has reduced congestion and minimized delays in the area.
4. COMPLETED: Branch Hill Guinea Pike Improvements
Important safety and pedestrian improvements were made on Branch Hill Guinea Pike, including wider travel lanes, a new center turn lane and improved pedestrian access with a sidewalk along the east side of the road. This work was part of a coordinated regional plan to address travel needs for local businesses and retail properties, as well as the large number of residential homeowners in this area.
3. COMPLETED – Intelligent Transportation System Upgrades (Phases I & II completed)
This project involves the installation of new technology in more than 50 traffic signals across the county. In addition to upgrading to energy-efficient LED displays and providing battery backup to the new signals, new software connects and synchronizes the signals to better monitor and control the flow of traffic through a given intersection. So rather than sitting at a light for two minutes when no traffic is coming the other way, just because that’s how the signal has been timed, the new signals can more accurately monitor traffic in a certain direction and adjust signal timing accordingly.
2. COMPLETED: Clough Pike Widening Project
The Clough Pike Widening Project added a third travel lane along a 1.3 mile section of Clough Pike, between Mt. Carmel Tobasco Road and Gleneste-Withamsville Road. A center turn lane was added, as well as a sidewalk along the north side of the road. Upgrades were made to nearby traffic signals, and drainage improvements were completed along the project corridor.
And the #1 transportation improvement helping holiday travelers and everyday commuters alike . . .
1. COMPLETED: The new tunnel
A new continuous flow tunnel allows traffic from I-275 northbound to access SR 32 eastbound without stopping for a traffic signal until they have by-passed the Eastgate area and reached the Gleneste-Withamsville intersection. Construction has been completed and the new tunnel is expected to open to traffic by the end of this year.
About the Clermont County Transportation Improvement District:
The Clermont County Transportation Improvement District (CCTID) works across geographic and political lines to improve the quality of life for Clermont County residents by stimulating economic development through regional transportation improvements. The five-member board is made up of representatives from the Clermont County Engineer’s Office, the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Milford, and Miami and Union Townships.
The CCTID is currently working on more than a dozen roadway improvements that will increase safety, support better traffic flow through the area, and provide the infrastructure for continued economic development throughout the county. More information about the CCTID and their project work can be found on-line at GoClermont.org.