OHIO IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements to the Ohio portion of the project span approximately three miles between the Ohio River and Western Hills Viaduct. In addition to widening I-75 for smoother travel and access to local communities, a major focus is reconnecting downtown Cincinnati to neighborhoods to the west with a new street grid that will extend across I-75. In addition, by redesigning ramp configurations to downtown and regional routes, the improvements will free up nearly 11 acres of land for redevelopment or civic space.
New sidewalks and shared-use paths along streets that cross I-75 and enhancements to existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities will greatly improve community connectivity, while aesthetic enhancements will create a walkable urban sense of place. Also, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is working with the Metropolitan Sewer District to address and improve critical drainage and flooding issues by reducing highway stormwater runoff.
Ohio Improvements at a Glance
Improved Infrastructure for Faster, Safer Travel
- Reconstruction and widening of I-75 (approximately three miles)
- New interchange connecting I-75 to Western Hills Viaduct
- Replacement of existing bridges along I-75
- Reconstruction of interchange ramps
- Removal of left-hand exits to eliminate weaving and improve safety
- Improvement of the Ezzard Charles Drive exit off of I-75 to improve access to the West End, Over-the-Rhine, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and TQL Stadium
- Reconstruction of Gest and Court Streets
- New collector-distributor road system to support ease of travel onto and off of I-75
Reconnecting Communities
- Extension of the downtown Cincinnati street grid (Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth streets) across I-75 with a new interaction at West Ninth and Gest Street
- Improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities across the Cincinnati area
- The addition of 4,590 feet of new sidewalks and 7,125 feet of new shared-use paths along streets within the I-75 corridor to improve connectivity to transit, employment, and commercial destinations
Freeing Up Land for Development or Civic Space
- Freeing up nearly 11 acres of land for redevelopment or civic use through ramp reconfigurations from I-75 at Second and Third streets
- Construction of a two-way bridge on Ezzard Charles Drive over I-75 with an extended deck allowing for development or green space
Aesthetic Urban Transformation
Infrastructure can be functional and beautiful:
- Decorative treatments on bridges and walls over I-75
- Innovative lighting solutions to improve safety and accessibility
- Planters and translucent screen walls on overpass bridges
- Creating a walkable, urban sense of place
Environmental Solutions in Partnership with Metropolitan Sewer District
Protecting the community and environment by addressing critical drainage challenges:
- Separating highway stormwater runoff from the combined sewer system
- Reducing flooding in residential areas adjacent to the highway