Hamilton bridge to ease east-west traffic flow likely to open in November

It will likely be November before the South Hamilton Crossing highway link between Ohio 4 and the area of Miami University’s Hamilton campus is open.

The project is expected to be completed before the Dec. 31 deadline, and within its approximately $30 million budget, but, “they’re still working on a lot of stuff,” said City Engineer Rich Engle.

The highway, which will include an overpass that spans the CSX tracks, will provide more efficient east-west traffic flow between Ohio 4 and the campus area and nearby Vora Technology Park, plus beyond that, to Hamilton’s West Side. It also is expected to open underused land near the campus for development.

In June, Council Member Carla Fiehrer announced plans for an August dedication, complete with a naming of the overpass for Hamilton historian and former Journal-News editor, the late Jim Blount, who tirelessly advocated for the project. Blount also served on the Butler County Transportation Improvement District, which fostered the project to reality.

Plans for the project’s updated opening date include speakers in the dedication to Blount, as well as antique cars and fire trucks that will reflect the amount of time the project has been discussed.

“It’s under budget and will be completed by the deadline,” Engle said.

“Much of the work is being done by sub-contractors, so the prime contractor is having to juggle several schedules to get them back here for whatever work needs to be done,” Engle said. “Plus, there’s CSX coordination as well.”

The project broke ground in August 2016.

Items remaining include painting and sealing of bridge superstructure, installation of safety fencing, installation of street lights and paving, officials said.

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