Officials plan $34M overhaul of Lytle Tunnel

Semi overturns on I-71 at the Lytle Tunnel_20120321133131_JPG

Semi overturns on I-71 at the Lytle Tunnel on Wednesday March 21, 2012.
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Posted: 08/12/2012

By: Associated Press

CINCINNATI - Ohio plans a major renovation of a downtown Cincinnati tunnel.

Supporters of the $34 million Lytle Tunnel project say it could jump-start the overhaul of historic Lytle Park, and attract new restaurants, apartments, and condos to the area.

Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation told The Cincinnati Enquirer the state plans to start work in spring 2014.

It will be the tunnel's first major renovation since opening in 1970.

The tunnel takes drivers on Interstate 71 underneath Lytle Park in the eastern part of downtown Cincinnati.

As part of the renovation plans, the state will pay for the portion of the park affected by the work. The Cincinnati Park Board will fund the rest of the park's planned $6 million in improvements.