Here are five things to know.
What would it do?
A replacement for the Black Street Bridge, which is a century old and about 20 years from needing replacement, is estimated to cost $40 million, with a highway to the eastern part of the city estimated to be $35 million or more, depending on the route it would take, Dan Corey, director of the Butler County Transportation Improvement District, told this media outlet.
This would be a traffic fix
City residents and some officials have expressed eagerness to see the project happen as a way to alleviate traffic on the corridor of High and Main streets, and also to help with heavy traffic expected to come after the proposed Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill complex opens in December of 2021.
It won’t be coming soon
City officials last year estimated the project could take decades and $150 million to $200 million to become reality.
Officials say it’s worth it
“I know we need it bad,” said Hamilton Vice Mayor Eric Pohlman, a new representative to the transportation board. “We need it over there for the Spooky Nook.”
What’s next?
The Butler County Transportation Improvement District on Monday voted to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Hamilton to advance the project. Under the pact, the county will take the lead in overseeing the project’s Phase I.
That phase includes developing a feasibility study, preliminary engineering and cost estimates through processes required by the Ohio Department of Transportation and federal transportation officials to win state and federal funding.
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