I-75 interchange project in Butler County ahead of schedule

The Butler County Engineer’s Office is ramping up construction at the Union Centre Boulevard and Interstate 75 interchange due to significantly lower traffic triggered by coronavirus stay-at-home orders.

The unique diverging diamond interchange project in West Chester Twp. could be finished several weeks ahead of schedule because the engineer is combining the next two phases of work.

Late this week, crews will begin constructing two inside walls on the bridge so Engineer Greg Wilkens is warning drivers there could be minor delays.

“We want to take advantage of the 30 to 60 percent reduction in traffic to minimize the inconvenience to the public,” Wilkens said. “Performing this work now could result in the completion of the DDI before traffic increases later in the summer.”

RELATED: Major Butler County road projects happening amid coronavirus. So far.

The plan is to close the bridge for four or five days — drivers can still exit and enter the interchange they just won’t be able to cross bridge — at the end of the project. Spokeswomen Betsy Horton said the original completion estimate was July 31 but with the accelerated schedule the interchange could be open by July 4th.

She said they will monitor the work closely for safety and might have to pare back if problems arise.

Motorists are encouraged to have patience and check www.bceo.org and Facebook and Twitter @bceonews for the latest updates on road closures and traffic advisories.

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