By Mark Hansel
NKYTribune Contributor
Two major road projects could create significant traffic disruptions for motorists traveling in and around Northern Kentucky during the upcoming construction season.
A bridge deck restoration project of the Interstate 275 Carroll Cropper Bridge, located between the 12.4 and 14.9 mile-markers, is scheduled to begin in late April or early May.
Traffic on the bridge, which crosses the Ohio River between Boone County Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana, will be restricted to one lane in each direction for the duration of the project.
Nancy Wood, public information officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 office, said the restoration project is targeted for completion in November.
“Initially, the westbound section of the bridge will be totally closed and we will be diverting traffic to the eastbound lanes,” Wood said. “When the westbound section is completed, we will begin on the eastbound section and traffic will be diverted to the westbound lanes.”
The $6.7 million project will include a complete deck restoration and concrete overlay, and lighting will be installed on the bridge.
The strategic location of the bridge, which is the Cincinnati area’s only crossing point on the Ohio River between Kentucky and Indiana, is expected to create a major inconvenience for travelers. More than 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day.
Motorists are encouraged to look for alternate routes, but there are few options.
U.S. 50 extends through Dearborn County and into downtown Cincinnati, which may provide an alternative for some motorists.
The Markland Dam spans the Ohio River between Gallatin County, Kentucky and Switzerland County, Indiana, but it is located 40 miles to the south and west of the Carroll Cropper Bridge.
The Interstate 275 bridge is expected to remain open for the duration of the restoration project, so allowing a little extra time might be the best option for many travelers.
Motorists should watch for possible stopped traffic when traveling on I-275 approaching the project area, as significant backups are expected.
South of Florence, in Grant County, a pavement removal and replacement project will begin on Interstate 75 in both the northbound and southbound lanes in the next few weeks. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall.
The project includes the section of the interstate from the 152.4 and 166.3 mile-markers, which is roughly the stretch of highway between Crittenden and Williamstown.
“They are doing some pavement work now on the pothole areas there, milling it out and building it back up with asphalt,” Wood said.
Lane closures will be in place for the duration of the project and the speed limit will be reduced to 55 miles per hour.
Motorist should anticipate long delays and are advised to stay alert and watch for construction signs along the corridor.
A major project that is nearing completion in Boone County is the $22.4 million reconstruction of Camp Ernst Road (KY 237) from Rogers Lane to Burlington Pike (KY 18).
The project features a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) at the intersection of KY 237 where North Bend Road becomes Camp Ernst Road. A SPUI is an interchange where the arterial and ramp entrances and exits are controlled by a single traffic signal.
The SPUI is located on an overpass constructed on KY 237 above KY 18. The bridge allowed for the elimination of the traffic signal on KY 18, which has significantly reduced traffic backups in the area.
More than 40,000 cars travel through the KY 237/KY 18 intersection daily.
“We haven’t gotten any complaints and we usually only hear about it if people are not happy so that’s a good sign,” Wood said. “Projects like this are never pretty in the construction stage, but the finished product is usually worth the inconvenience.”
Rob Hans, District 6 Chief Engineer, said overall there is about $116 million dedicated to active or upcoming projects in the region.
“That means there will be many work zones in place on Northern Kentucky interstates and highways this year,” Hans said. “I want to emphasis the importance that motorists must not drive and be distracted.
Motorists and residents are encouraged to check the District 6 Road Report online for updates throughout the construction season.