Wednesday, March 31, 1999
I-71 work draws outcry
Businesses spur ODOT to reconsider lane closures
BY MICHAEL D. CLARK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — Operators of some of Greater Cincinnati's largest tourist attractions say millions of visitors and dollars will bypass the Tristate unless planned construction on Interstate 71 is altered.
Officials from the Great American Insurance ATP Championship, Kroger Senior Golf Classic and Paramount's Kings Island — as well as other area businesses — Tuesday told Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials they want to meet promptly to discuss changing ODOT's announced plans to redo I-71.
ODOT officials responded during a public meeting at the Golf Center in Mason to discuss two I-71 repair and widening projects. They said they are sensitive to complaints by businesses.
Last week, ODOT announced plans for two I-71 repair and lane-widening projects.
“Since last Friday, we have received numerous phone calls. There are numerous organizations concerned about this proj ect,” said ODOT spokeswoman Kim Patton.
She said ODOT soon will meet with area businesses and organizations.
Complaints focused on ODOT's plans to reduce I-71 to one lane during summer weekends, which are crucial for the major attractions and other events that draw millions to Warren County from around the Tristate and nation.
Ms. Patton said ODOT is temporarily halting its plans to begin construction Monday on 17 miles from Ohio 48 to just north of Ohio 380 in Clinton County.
“We're looking at possible options to keep two lanes open to traffic on weekends,” Ms. Patton said.
“All I can say, we are seriously taking these concerns into consideration. We don't have a definite decision at this point.
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