Editor
Construction on phase two of the Eastgate South Drive roundabout began in mid January.
The Clermont County Engineer’s Office worked on the north half, which was phase one, last year. Traffic was kept on the south side while work was being done, said Pat Manger, Clermont County Engineer.
According to the Transportation Improvement District website, the project will remove the existing signalized intersection and replace traffic signals with a roundabout that will improve the flow of traffic, enhance safety and reduce congestion.
The construction workers will continue to prepare the area and do any construction improvements so that when the asphalt plants open, typically on April 1, they can get started on putting the asphalt in, Manger said.
“They’ll continue to work through the winter because it’s been a mild winter so far,” Manger said.
The roundabout was expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2015, but officials from the Clermont County Engineers office began shifting that schedule in September 2015.
The cause of the delay is bad soil, which had to be removed before a wall in the base of the basin could be constructed.
The issue with the soil has since been resolved and construction is back on schedule, Manger said. He expects construction to be finished June 1.
The original estimated construction cost for the project was $900,000, but because of delays and project revisions, Manger now estimates it will cost between $2-2.3 million.
The roundabout will be closed in the spring so workers can put in the asphalt. Manger will maintain access to Jungle Jim’s International Market and 32 East Retail. If the businesses on Eastgate South Drive are open at the point, Manger will make sure to maintain access there, too.
The closure will last a week or two.