By Brett Milam
Editor
The Clermont County Transportation Improvement District and the Ohio Department of Transportation are accepting public comment on the proposed Aicholtz Road roundabouts by July 17.
Three roundabouts would be constructed; first, at the Aicholtz Road and Eastgate Square Drive intersection, at the Aicholtz Road and Glen Este-Withamsville Road intersection, and at the former Glen Este High School driveway and Glen Este-Withamsville Road intersection.
In addition to those improvements to help reduce congestion, Clermont TID said they would also realign Aicholtz Road east of Eastgate Square Drive to align with Glen Este-Withamsville Road near Larma Lane. Old Aicholtz Road would also be disconnected from Glen Este-Withamsville Road and converted to a cul-de-sac.
Larma Lane and Wuebold Lane would also be disconnected from Glen Este-Withamsville Road and reconnected to one another.
Further work would include utility relocations, installation of sidewalks, and roadway lighting around the proposed roundabouts, the Clermont TID said.
The project is estimated to cost $7 million, most of which is coming from ODOT and federal transportation dollars. There is a $2 million contribution by the Clermont TID.
If all goes according to plan, construction would begin May 2023 and conclude around February 2025.
The Clermont TID said the intersections are anticipated to be open to through traffic, with interim lane restrictions during construction.
John McGraw, Union Township trustee, told The Sun in general, he likes the roundabouts.
“They take getting used to, but they keep the traffic moving and you do not have to stop at stop signs and traffic lights,” he said. “This project will improve traffic flow, make the existing roads safer, wider and add sidewalks for pedestrians.”
He also said the project would attract new development to the former Glen Este site, where Glen Este High School used to be.
McGraw also praised the collaboration between the township, the Clermont County Engineer and the Clermont County TID.
“When I first was elected as trustee, the biggest road complaint I received was the Glen Este intersection. Our team in Union Township took several proactive steps to make changes to this area,” he said.
The first was working with West Clermont to move the high school to the Bach Buxton area, followed by attracting development like the Echelon Apartments, McGraw said.
“This allowed us to acquire right of way to make way for the road changes. We also heard from residents on Larma and Wuebold Lanes about too much traffic cutting through their street and speeding issues. This new project will make those two streets much safer and more private,” he added.
The public can virtually view the project details here as a “virtual open house”: https://bityl.co/7F50.
For those who can’t access the project details online, exhibit materials will be made available at the Clermont County Engineer Building, located at 2381 Clermont Center Drive.
To submit comments by the July 17 deadline, visit goclermont.org, call 513-732-8857, or email Sandy West at [email protected]. Residents can also send mail to Doug Royer, PE at Clermont County Engineer, 2381 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103.