Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Tag: Ohio Department of Transportation

  • Design for new Brent Spence companion bridge announced

    Design for new Brent Spence companion bridge announced

    Cincinnati, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear unveiled Tuesday the design of the new companion bridge to be built as part of the 8-mile Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

    The press release said, “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in one of the nation’s most significant transportation investments that will improve safety and strengthen economic development opportunities.”

    “As we went through the designs, we wanted this bridge to be cost effective, functional, and safe, but we also wanted it to look good,” DeWine said. “This bridge will become an iconic part of the Cincinnati skyline and create a landmark gateway that honors our states’ excellence in engineering, transforms the daily commute, and keeps commerce moving.”

    The selected design is described as a cable-stayed independent deck bridge. Instead of using a traditional steel truss to support the bi-level bridge’s lower deck, both decks will be supported by a cabling system similar to those used in other modern bridges, such as the Abraham Lincoln Bridge in Louisville and Veterans Glass City Skyway in Toledo. Unlike other double-deck bridges, no steel work will connect the two decks.

    “The new companion bridge will be a game-changer for commuting families and it’ll revolutionize a crucial economic corridor,” Beshear said. “This is a project that has been dreamed of for years and that many said would never happen. But we are getting it done by working together — and we’re doing it without tolls.”

    Northbound drivers crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky into Ohio will use the top level of the new bi-level companion bridge, which showcases an unobstructed view of the Cincinnati skyline and the bridge’s unique design.

    According to the release by The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, “The design team, managed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), evaluated multiple concepts against key visual and aesthetic criteria, including how well they fit the surroundings, their visual connection to the existing bridge and their potential to become a recognizable regional landmark. The design also underwent extensive technical review and wind testing. Ultimately, cost, constructability, and schedule were the deciding factors in the selection of the bridge type. Compared to the other options considered, this design is lower in cost and easier to build.”

    “This is more than just a bridge — it’s a long-overdue investment in the future of our region,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “For decades, communities have waited for a safer, more efficient crossing that not only eases traffic and improves safety but also strengthens one of our most critical freight corridors. This new bridge will unlock economic opportunities, support regional growth, and better connect people and commerce for generations to come.”

    “This companion bridge reflects the values of the communities it connects — practical, forward-looking and built to last,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “With the bridge design selected, our expert teams continue to work hard behind the scenes on activities to help us march toward construction.”

    The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project spans eight miles of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio. Beyond the new companion bridge, the project includes improvements to the existing Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic, redesigned ramp configurations throughout the corridor, new pedestrian and bike paths connecting communities to transit and employment centers, and “aesthetic improvements designed to create walkable, urban environments.”

    With the design selection complete and acknowledgement from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) concurring with the bridge type, the design-build team will continue to advance the project toward final engineering and construction phases.

    The existing Brent Spence Bridge, which has served the region since 1963, currently carries traffic volumes exceeding its original design capacity. It will be reconfigured to three lanes on each deck with emergency shoulders on each side to improve safety and carry local traffic between Covington and Cincinnati. The new companion bridge will carry traffic on I-71 and I-75.

  • Southbound I-471 to Reopen Sunday evening

    Southbound I-471 to Reopen Sunday evening

    Cincinnati, Ohio – Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn has announced that the southbound lanes of Interstate 471 approaching the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge will reopen on Sunday evening, exactly 100 days after the roadway was severely damaged by fire.

    Through Sunday evening, crews will put finishing touches on the bridge, including grinding and grooving the deck, final welding below the expansion joint seal, and pavement striping.

    ODOT will announce an exact reopening time on social media about an hour before the final barricades are removed.

  • Open House for Loveland-Madeira Road Corridor Project

    Open House for Loveland-Madeira Road Corridor Project

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation, is proposing a roadway improvement project on Loveland Madeira Road from West Loveland Avenue to just past Valley View Lane. Proposed improvements are being funded by a $4.6-million grant through the OKI Regional Council of Governments and include the following:

    • Pedestrian enhancements, including sidewalk installation on the east side of the roadway and a multi-use path on the west side of the roadway.
    • Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Valley View Lane and Loveland-Madeira Road to add a fourth leg of the intersection to accommodate future property development.
    • Streetscape enhancements, including street trees, lighting, green storm water infrastructure, benches, high-visibility crosswalks, bike racks, and relocation of overhead utilities to underground.
    • Grass-center median installation at various locations to manage traffic movement.

    Permanent and temporary right-of-way will be required in order to complete the proposed work. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2028.

    The City of Loveland is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Loveland City Hall, 120 W Loveland Ave. to ensure the proposed project is viable and successful.

    “The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the project and proposed improvements with the community, answer questions, and gather community input before making final decisions.”

    This is an open house event with no formal presentation. We are asking all those interested to attend and participate in this public meeting, which is being conducted in-person.

    Additional materials will be made available at the public meeting and at LovelandOH.gov. City Hall invites you to review the materials once they are available and submit your questions using the comment form on the website or by email, phone, or mail. Your feedback is welcome at any time but must be received by March 12, 2025, to be formally documented and considered during the preliminary project development phase.

    Individuals who require reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact Assistant City Manager Chris Wojnicz by February 1, 2025.

    “Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.”

    A printout of the exhibits will be provided to any individual having issues accessing the project website or attending the meeting. Send a request using one of the contact methods listed below:

    Mail: City of Loveland, Attention: Chris Wojnicz, 120 W Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio 45140

    Phone: (513) 583-3020

    Email: cwojnicz@lovelandoh.gov

  • [With Photo Album] I-471 Fire repair update from ODOT

    [With Photo Album] I-471 Fire repair update from ODOT

    I-471 Expected to Reopen By Spring

    Cincinnati, Ohio – Following a November 1 fire that significantly damaged a section of the Interstate 471 Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced today that it expects to have all lanes reopened in March. FULL NEWS RELEASE

    Updated December 10

    Interstate 471 is closed in the southbound direction at the Ohio River following a fire under the Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky.

    At 3:20 a.m., November 1, the Cincinnati Fire Department was called to a fire on Pete Rose Way under the Ohio approach span to the bridge. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a large outdoor fire at a playground in Sawyer Point Park directly under the approach span. At the height of the fire, smoke and flames were seen billowing around and above I-471.

    At this time, the Cincinnati Fire Department has not determined the cause of the fire.

    Detours

    Right Click to see larger in new tab.

    Ohio Traffic Impacts and Detour
    Southbound I-471 remains closed at the bridge crossing in Ohio until further notice. ODOT is diverting southbound traffic by way of I-71 and I-75 South. Heavy truck (semi) drivers are encouraged to use I-275 to I-71/75 to avoid delays, and all HAZMAT operators are required to follow the I-275 outerbelt.

    In addition, the following restrictions are in place in downtown Cincinnati:

    • Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
    • 5th Street access to I-471 is closed.
    • U.S. 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (U.S. 50 remains open to thru traffic.)

    Kentucky Traffic Impacts
    A single-lane closure is in effect on I-471 North beginning at the 3.6-mile marker near Memorial Parkway and continuing across the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.

    Sawyer Park Restrictions
    Click here here for the latest updates to the park and surrounding facilities from Cincinnati Parks.

    12/10/24 – 4PM Update

    Demolitions Progresses
    Crews have removed the damaged sections of concrete bridge deck. Now, the attention turns to removing the damaged steel girders. A 550-ton crane has arrived on site from Nashville, Tennessee. There are nine truckloads of parts needed to assemble the crane. It will be used to remove the damaged girders as they are disassembled. Girder removal could begin as early as today. Crews will be watching the weather forecast. If winds are too strong, girder removal will have to be rescheduled.

    Components Starting to Arrive
    Bronze bearings, custom-fabricated in Brunswick, Ohio, have arrived at Great Lakes Construction’s office in Cincinnati after being expedited by the manufacturer. These will be used to put four of the new custom-fabricated girders on once they arrive from Bowling Green, Kentucky in mid-January.

    Northbound I-471 Wall Repair
    Crews plan to begin pouring concrete to replace a 70’ damaged section of wall on the northbound side this week, weather permitting. All lanes of northbound I-471 are scheduled to reopen by the end of the year.

    Shoring Towers Relocated
    A group of four shoring towers has been moved south from their original location. These will support the remaining girders once the damaged girders are removed. There are a total of ten shoring towers supporting the structure during the next phase of demolition. These towers will remain in place through construction as well.

  • Ohio Department of Transportation wants your input on walking and biking in and around Loveland

    Ohio Department of Transportation wants your input on walking and biking in and around Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation is developing an Active Transportation Plan for District 8, which includes Butler, Clinton, Clermont, Greene, Hamilton​, Preble, and Warren Counties.

    The Department says that walking and biking in Ohio should be a safe, convenient, and accessible transportation option for everyone. This plan will identify needs and priorities for walking, biking, and rolling on the state-maintained roads in the district. This includes all State and US Routes outside of city boundaries in the seven counties. By identifying key active transportation connections on the state system, they aim to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and support network development in communities across the district.

    Explore this PAGE to learn more about the project and provide your input

  • Ramp onto I-275 West to close for slide repair on Tuesday

    Ramp onto I-275 West to close for slide repair on Tuesday

    Loveland/Symmes Township, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will close the ramp onto I-275 West from from southbound Loveland Madeira Road on Tuesday, May 25.

    ODOT reports, “During periods of closure, southbound Loveland Madeira Road motorists (passenger vehicles) to I-275 West will be routed by way of the traffic signal; heavy (large) truck traffic will be detoured by way of I-275 East and the Wards Corner Road interchange to I-275 West. Traffic on the mainline of I-275 will be maintained. The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall.”

    ODOT has provided no other specific information about how long the ramp will be closed.

  • Ramp closure scheduled at Loveland-Madeira Road/I-275 West

    Ramp closure scheduled at Loveland-Madeira Road/I-275 West

    The closures will be in effect daily from 9 a.m. until approximately 7 p.m. While the restrictions are in place, all I-275 West traffic will be routed onto the ramp from the left lane of southbound Loveland Madeira Road at the traffic signal.

    Hamilton County – A Press Release from the Ohio Department of Transportation:

    Tree cutting, removal, and equipment placement require a ramp and lane closure at Loveland Madeira Road and I-275 West beginning this weekend.

    Beginning Sunday, December 8, and continuing through Tuesday, December 10, the ramp from Loveland Madeira Road to I-275 West will be closed and Loveland Madeira Road southbound will be reduced to one lane between the on-ramp entrance and the traffic signal.

    The closures will be in effect daily from 9 a.m. until approximately 7 p.m. While the restrictions are in place, all I-275 West traffic will be routed onto the ramp from the left lane of southbound Loveland Madeira Road at the traffic signal.

    To help ensure the safety of the construction workers as well as the traveling public, motorists should remain alert, reduce their speed and watch for stopped traffic while passing through the work zone.

    For ongoing traffic, construction and weather-related information across the state, please visit www.OHGO.com.

    For more information contact:
    ODOT District 8 Public Information
    Kathleen Fuller, 513-933-6517
    Liz Lyons, 513-933-6534

  • Open House/Public Meeting on Fields Ertel Road projects

    Open House/Public Meeting on Fields Ertel Road projects

    Deerfield Township, Ohio – The public is invited to an open-house public meeting regarding two projects currently under development by the Warren County Transportation Improvement District (WCTID) to address transportation needs in the Fields-Ertel Road Corridor.
    The two projects are: construction of a new entrance ramp from Mason-Montgomery Road directly to Southbound Interstate 71 in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the reconstruction of Fields-Ertel Road from Snider Road to Wilkens Boulevard.
    The meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, at the Deerfield Township Administration Center, 4900 Parkway Drive, Suite 180, Mason, Ohio 45040.
    This meeting is an opportunity for the public to review and comment on preliminary alternatives and designs for the respective projects. The meeting is planned as an open house format so you may attend any time during the hours from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Exhibits of the alternatives and preliminary designs will be on display along with additional information for the two projects. County and ODOT officials along with their design consultants will be available to answer questions, and receive your comments. Opportunities to submit written comments during and following the meeting will be provided. Following the meeting, comments can be submitted until January 5th, 2019, to Dan Corey (WCTID) via email at Dan.Corey@co.warren.oh.us or by mail to Warren County Transportation Improvement District, 210 W Main Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036. Meeting exhibits will be available at the website: www.WCTID.us.
    Parking is available on site and is accessible. Individuals who may require interpretation services or other accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact Dan Corey at the information below, seven (7) days prior to the meeting. For more information, contact:
    Dan Corey
    Assistant County Engineer
    Phone: (513) 695-7725

    Email: Dan.Corey@co.warren.oh.us.

  • Share your thoughts about potential US 22 corridor improvements

    Share your thoughts about potential US 22 corridor improvements

    Deerfied Township, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation will host an open house on Tuesday, May 15, to seek input about several roadway enhancements being considered to improve traffic and safety at the intersection of US 22 and Creek Woods Place/Old 3C Highway. The alternatives under review include constructing a single lane roundabout, restricting the use of left turns during peak hours and adding a traffic signal.
     
    The open house will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Deerfield Township Fire Station 57. Project representatives will be available for the entire two-hour time period to explain alternatives, hear comments and answer questions. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. Those who cannot attend may also email comments to Keith Smith, environmental project manager, at keith.smith@dot.ohio.govby June 1.
     
    More details and a downloadable comment form are available on our website.
     

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