Thursday, January 28, 1999
Design work starts on 50 at I-275
Interchange fix to reduce backups
BY TOM O'NEILL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MILFORD — Clermont County commissioners Wednesday approved a $155,000 contract to design improvements on the interchanges of Interstate 275 at U.S. 50.
The interchange is one of Clermont's busiest, and the backup onto 50 near Heiserman Road and Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road has been a source of frustration for many residents.
The project will upgrade the entrance to the 50 eastbound ramp from I-275 and U.S. 50 at Techne Center Drive. It's part of a bigger series by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to improve the eastern corridor.
The other Clermont projects are on Clough Pike and Stonelick Olive Branch Road. The $2.2 million price tag for the work at U.S. 50 is split between local participants and the state's Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) program, which involves federal funding.
High usage
Miami Township, where U.S. 50 is a main thoroughfare, has been over the past decade one of the county's fastest-growing communi ties.
According to the most recent state study of U.S. 50 at the I-275 interchange, the daily traffic count was 18,890 vehicles.
The county contract with Lockwood, Jones and Beals Inc. of Dayton, Ohio, is for a maximum of $155,109 and went into effect immediately through Jan. 26, 2000.
Tom Reiser, 64, who has lived on Heiserman Road since the 1950s, has seen in the past five to eight years an explosion in the number of cars — and frustrated drivers — on U.S. 50 as they approach the I-275 interchange.
He welcomes the construction.
Since U.S. 50 has only one west lane as drivers approach the inter change, many who will continue west are caught behind those trying to get onto I-275, against the typically heavy flow of east traffic coming out of Milford.
Other factors
Business construction, including that of Park 50 technology center on 50 near Heiserman Road, also contributes to rush-hour traffic slowdowns.
But part of the problem, too, Mr. Reiser said, is the “enormous amount of homes being built back here.”
ODOT spokeswoman Kim Patton said the interchange work is designed, in part, to “allow for future growth.”
A corny idea to keep good little movies
Council targets gun makers
Arts campus plan hits snag on shelter
Bullet train possibilities tantalize
Mary Tyler Moore reveals her wounds
Sabin center plan proposed
N.Ky. convention center opening gala sold out
Pope renews morality plea, condemns death penalty
Teacher pulls kids into pope
Temporary bridge over Fort Washington Way
Dad has custody of tot left in trash
School vouchers director claims program sabotaged
Winter on hiatus 1 more day
Cap costs area schools millions
Grand jury to hear about shooting, wild police chase
Laser pointer curbs rejected
Miami pair plead not guilty
NKU tuition up 5.2% next year
Schools find new tax tough sell
Women of Faith share three days
Adopt a lizard, say 'I love you'
Time to get involved for a 'vision' for 12th Street
GOP's weak field is its own fault
Ambulance runs could cost insurers
Churches helping needy on 'Souper Bowl' Sunday
Colombians here check on loved ones
Design work starts on 50 at I-275
Detective's trial may turn on the word 'in'
Emergency school funds sought
Fix on way for tie-ups at Towne, 122
TRISTATE DIGEST
Woman pleads guilty in burglary
