Some are happy

[Valley Cat]

OKI today effectively ended plans to close I-75 access at Galbraith Road.  The OKI Council of Regional Governments adopted a resolution introduced by Pat DeWine opposing the closure of access in any direction.

 Under federal law, ODOT may not spend any highway construction funds on this project without OKI's approval. So OKI's action in adopting the resolution effectively kills any plans to close off access on Galbraith Road. Absent a subsequent reversal by OKI, ODOT cannot go through with plans to cut off access to Galbraith Road.

"OKI's action today makes clear that the region's local governments stand solidly against this plan," said DeWine.  It is time for ODOT to abandon efforts to close off access and instead find a more feasible alternative."

[Dawn Longworth]

I spoke with the project manager for the Thru the Valley project yesterday via phone and found a lot of answers to my questions.  I like to go straight to the source to get my info.  Of all the plans (none of which have been offically decided) only one closes all the Galbraith Rd exit ramps. Alter. B is the plan that closes all the ramps it closes the 75-South ramps to provide an on ramp to Cross County west.  Lets be honest now, we need that Cross County on ramp.  Most of the traffic that uses Galbraith hops right back on at Cross County.  Galbraith Road is not legally wide enough to be 4 lanes between Woodbine (Sunocco on the corner) and Burns.  If you drive that you know what a tight squeeze it is. 

Now, Hartwell residents have an option to voice their concerns to me anytime and we will have a meeting with ODOT and ME companies on April 18th at the Hartwell Rec Center at 7:30pm.  I invite everyone to attend.  We will then determine which plan works best for our community.  I know where I personally stand on the plans but since I am President, I have to represent the overall best interest of the community.  But please, consider this.  Closure of these ramps would impact the amount of traffic that speeds through our community, school zone and parks area.  Vine Street would probley have more traffic which would be good for our community.  Other communities have stated that their businesses would be affected because of this closure, but remember, new exit ramps will be opened in other communities.  We can still offer suggestions to keep Galbraith exits open but we need to fight for that on ramp to Cross County from 75-South.

[Valley Cat]

From something dropped off for publication:

The committee for the 1-75 Thru the Valley is holding a meeting Saturday March 18th at 9:30 am. The location is 307 North Cooper in garage behind house. The Shepherd Lane interchange will be completely redone and will provide good access to and from Lockland. The downside to this is it was suggested to open Westview Avenue as a main thorough-fare through North Lockland, because West Forrer will be closed. We will also be discussing the Davis and Cooper interchanges. Lockland has a lot to benefit from this project if we take action and plan now.