Clermont interchange has new traffic patterns

CLERMONT COUNTY – New traffic patterns aimed at improving safety and easing congestion as part of the state’s ongoing construction at the busy Interstate 275/Ohio 32 interchange recently occurred, and more changes are coming.

Clermont County Engineer Pat Manger, whose office is working closely with the Ohio Department of Transportation on the project, described the June 17 shift in traffic patterns as “a significant change.” As other changes occur this summer, he said his staff will alert the public.

Considerable work on southbound I-275 required traffic to be shifted to the west in preparation for what is called a “contraflow” configuration – where both north and southbound traffic began traveling on what was previously the southbound lanes of traffic. Four lanes of traffic are continuing – two lanes in each direction – and more signs were placed in the area to alert drivers to the changes.

Besides the changes to southbound I-275, the ramp from westbound Ohio 32 to southbound I-275 also was reconfigured June 17. It now accesses I-275 southbound from the left, not the right, as it was previously doing. Signs have been placed in that area alerting drivers to the new access.

“I’m sure it’ll be a big improvement when it’s done, but it’s just a big mess right now,” said Raymond Cox, 86, of Tealtown, as he recently put gas in his car at the Eastgate Sam’s Club gas pumps. He, like others interviewed, said he tries to avoid the I-275/Ohio 32 interchange as much as possible, and he uses the back roads when he patronizes Eastgate businesses.

Lindsey Richmond, 25, said she visits Eastgate about once a week to have lunch with a friend. She said June 18 was the first day she didn’t have to sit in traffic 10 or 15 minutes at I-275’s Newtown/Batavia exit while making the drive from her New Richmond home.

“It’ll absolutely be worth the wait when it’s done, but all these delays are frustrating to people who have to drive to Eastgate on a regular basis,” Richmond said.

“While we recognize that it will take some time for drivers to get used to the changing pattern of traffic on I-275 and (Ohio) 32, these changes are absolutely critical to improving safety in and around the Eastgate area,” Manger said. “The I-275/(Ohio) 32 interchange improvement project will improve the safety and mobility of those who travel through the area by reducing the number of locations where drivers are asked to merge and weave –where traffic is both decelerating and accelerating.”

The interchange improvements are just part of the work aimed at improving traffic flow in and around Eastgate, Manger said. He added lane realignments and signal timing improvements have been finished on Eastgate North Frontage Road.

The reconstruction of Eastgate Boulevard over Ohio 32 continues, and the modified intersection will offer new access on Ohio 32, wider lanes and improved access for businesses, Manger said.

Improvements also will be made along Ohio 32 between I-275 and Batavia to reduce traffic signals and improve connectivity between local roads and Ohio 32.

Manger urged drivers to allot extra time when traveling through the construction area. For updates on this project and others in the area, visit GoClermont.org and check the GoClermont Facebook and Twitter pages.

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