Major road project headed for Liberty Twp.

A year-long road project will bring some major changes to a busy stretch of roadway in Liberty Twp.

The widening of Yankee Road is slated to begin July 5, according to Butler County Engineer Greg Wilkens, and will include construction of a new roundabout at Yankee and Princeton roads.

“Construction will be challenging for motorists, so we plan to do everything possible to make the process smooth and keep everyone informed,” Wilkens said.

MORE: Busy stretches of Butler County roadway to see changes in 2017

The project cost is $4 million, to be funded with federal, state and local monies, according to the engineer’s office. A construction contract for the project has been awarded to Barrett Paving Materials Inc. of Middletown, which submitted a low bid of $4,071,271.

Yankee Road will be widened from two lanes to three between Dutchland Parkway and Princeton Road. A dedicated center left turn lane will be added to the current stretch of roadway that passes several subdivisions and the Lakota Family YMCA.

Widening this stretch of road will add capacity, smooth out traffic flow and enhance safety in the area, according to the Butler County Engineer’s Office.

Further enhancing safety will be the installation of a new traffic light at the Dutchland Parkway and Yankee Road intersection.

RELATED: Newest Butler County roundabout opens early

The intersection can often become congested with local traffic into the Dutchland Woods subdivision and Lakota Pointe Townhomes, as well as Lakota Sports Organization ballfields, Woodland Elementary, Liberty Jr. High and multiple businesses.

A new sidewalk will also be constructed along Yankee Road from Dutchland Parkway to Wyandot Lane.

Yankee Road between Dutchland Parkway and Princeton Road will be closed for five to six months, according to Wilkens. Construction will be suspended for the winter and then resume in spring 2018, he said.

Local access will be maintained for residents and businesses along Yankee Road and to adjoining subdivisions. Detours will be posted.

In addition, all four legs of the intersection at Yankee and Princeton roads will be closed for about three months for roundabout construction.

“This project will be an asset to the community, providing easier access from the northern part of Liberty Twp. to Ohio 129,” Wilkens said. “Widening Yankee in conjunction with a new roundabout at Princeton Road fits in with our overall plan to make commuting in this growing area much safer.”

All work is tentatively scheduled for completion by mid-June 2018, according to the engineer’s office.

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