Question: A congested traffic situation in Warren County is getting worse.

        The intersection of Ohio 48 with Ohio 3 and U.S. 22 in Hamilton Township, in Warren County, is becoming more and more congested. During the morning and evening rush hours, traffic backs up in all four directions. It is two-lane highway, without turn lanes, in a fast growing township.

        Are there any plans to improve traffic flow? - Dan Elliott, Maineville

        Answer: A project is planned to add left turn lanes in all directions at this in
tersection and right turn lanes on Ohio 3 and U.S. 22, said Kim Patton, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

        The project is estimated at $900,000 — $800,000 for construction and $100,000 for right-of-way acquisition. As with any major road project, the process involves a series of steps. A required environmental impact study is being conducted. That will be followed by land acquisition and project design. Construction is scheduled to start in 2003, Mrs. Patton said.

        Q. I drive on Interstate 275 daily — eastbound up to the Interstate-71 south interchange. It is difficult to merge onto southbound I-71 because construction crews have not finished paving the road on the west side between I-275 and Pfeiffer Road.

        As a result, there is a short entrance ramp leading onto I-71, creating a dangerous situation for motorists. When will this job be finished and the entrance ramp fully opened? - Daniel Glassmeyer, Sharonville

        A. Mrs. Patton said the ramp will link with a long merge lane on the westbound side of southbound I-71 after workers complete painting the Cornell Road interstate overpass and install some new guardrail.

        The overpass should be painted by the end of this month and the extended merge lane opened shortly thereafter.

        You Asked For It, which runs on Mondays, answers questions about regional history, government, schools and roads. E-mail wschaefer@enquirer.com. Include name, neighborhood and phone.
       

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