The Union Centre Boulevard bridge over I-75 will close at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 until 6 a.m. Monday, July 20, weather permitting.
“The projected five-day closure marks the final weeks in the conversion of the Union Centre Boulevard/ I-75 interchange into a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI),” said engineer officials.
“A full closure of Union Centre Boulevard is required at this point of construction to reconfigure the bridge into a diverging diamond pattern. The ramps will remain open, only allowing for right turns upon entering and exiting the interstate.”
Motorists will instead be detoured away from the highway overpass.
Eastbound Union Centre Boulevard traffic will detour southwest on Muhlhauser Road, east on Allen Road and north on Cincinnati Dayton Road.
Westbound traffic will reverse this route, said engineer officials.
The Union Centre Boulevard / I-75 interchange DDI project is tentatively scheduled to be completed by Aug. 1.
Greg Wilkens, Butler County engineer, described the DDI design as one that eliminates left-hand turns. Drivers wanting to get on the interstate no longer have to wait for a left-turn signal while on the Union Centre Boulevard overpass: They simply veer off to the left as they cross the bridge and head down the ramp.
Wilkens said the $20 million project is the largest single contract job undertaken by the county department.
“Partnering with West Chester Twp., we have been able to significantly improve the infrastructure at the interchange to alleviate congestion and provide an easier commute,” Wilkens said.
“I am confident that the traveling public will find the flow of traffic to be intuitive, safer and all-around better.”
Officials in Lucas County, Ohio recently told Wilkens’ office that the reception of their DDI interchange there has been met by strong appreciation.
He said the fellow Ohio county engineer told him “the DDI has been so well received there … motorists are requesting them at other interchanges.”
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