Detour Map A.
Detour Map A.

By Megan Alley
Sun staff

The second phase of construction on the Old State Route 74 Widening Project has caused a six-month road closure on the thoroughfare.

Old State Route 74, between Amelia-Olive Branch Road and Armstrong Boulevard, will be closed until Nov. 3; the intersection of Amelia-Olive Branch Road and Old State Route 74 will be open during the closure.

The alternative route, which is approximately 1.14 miles, or 6,031 feet, is shown in detour map A.

Pat Manger, Clermont County engineer, decided to close the road after determining that it was “impractical” to build a temporary highway/culvert for the project, according to the Clermont County Engineer’s website.

The Old State Route 74 Widening Project, which extends between Olive Branch-Stonelick Road and Armstrong Boulevard, involves widening the thoroughfare to include a center turn lane, new curb and gutter drainage, increased shoulder widths and improved pedestrian access, according to the Clermont County Transportation Improvement District’s website.

The project also includes signal upgrades and improvements at the intersections of Olive Branch-Stonelick and Amelia-Olive Branch Roads.

“The project will improve the safety, geometry, and access along this section of the Old State Route 74 corridor, it will support the recently completed Old State Route 74 extension to College Drive, and it will better accommodate expected traffic conditions,” the TID’s website said.