Butler County Engineer
Greg Wilkens announces that a major safety improvement to the
Ohio 747 at Princeton Road intersection is slated to begin in
mid-May. This project will involve the construction of additional
through and turn lanes on all four approaches, sight distance
improvements, and all new signalization. "The benefits will
be smoother, safer traffic flow through the intersection, particularly
at rush hour," said Wilkens.
Motorists may have
already noticed a lot of work in the area. Crews have been clearing
structures and relocating electric poles, gas mains, cable, and
telephone lines since January in preparation for actual construction.
A substantial water main upgrade is also being performed in conjunction
with the project. BCEO Utilities Manager Jerry Garrett noted
that all utility relocations will be completed on time despite
an eight-week delay in getting started last winter.
A contract for the
project was awarded to Don S. Cisle Contractor, Inc. of Hamilton
which submitted a low bid of $2,380,082. A combination of funds
from Liberty Township, the BCEO, ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation),
and the private sector will pay for the project. The majority
of funding however will come from a Liberty Township TIF (Tax
Increment Financing). Butler County's TID also assisted with
right-of-way acquisition.
"This is another
great example of cooperation among multi-government entities
and the private sector to expedite a much-needed project,"
Wilkens emphasized. "The fact is, this is a state-maintained
intersection and for ODOT to go through the federal process would
have taken another three to four years. But when various jurisdictions
come together at the local level, good things happen here in
Butler County. Liberty Township in particular is to be commended
for their commitment to making this project happen."
Liberty Township Administrator
Dina Minneci added "The improvements being made to the Princeton
/ 747 intersection will bring instant relief to a highly congested
area. Projects such as this bring an improved quality of life
for all those who use these roads. Not only will the township
benefit with a more efficient and safer transportation system,
but the future development projected for this area will prosper
as well. The neighborhood business district being planned at
this intersection will bring a tax benefit to Liberty Township
residents as well as a convenient shopping destination."
- Project
Completion and Anticipated Closures
- (revised
6/8/05)
Completion of the 747
/ Princeton Road intersection project is scheduled for this November,
weather permitting. There will be closures of Princeton Road
on the west and east legs of the intersection throughout the
course of construction. Ohio 747 will remain open at all times;
however, traffic will be re-routed across a temporary road for
a period of time.
The phasing and timing
of the Princeton Road closures will be as follows :
- 1st closure: Princeton
Road, west leg of intersection - closed approximately 110 days;
- 2nd closure: Princeton
Road, east leg of intersection - closed approximately 45 days.
The closing date for
the first phase has been set for June 15, 2005. Motorists are
encouraged to monitor the Road
Closings page here on the BCEO web site for dates and closure
information and utilize alternate routes while the closures are
in effect.
Note: The Princeton
Road closing east of the intersection scheduled for May 16-18,
2005 is for a sanitary sewer installation in conjunction with
the project; however, it is not associated with the phased closures
listed above.
# # #
For more information
contact:
Chris
Petrocy, BCEO Public Information Supervisor
Greg Wilkens, P.E., P.S.,
Butler County Engineer
Phone 513.867.5744 • Fax 513.867.5849
