New traffic changes coming to Fields Ertel Road

DEERFIELD TWP, Ohio - For all of those upset commuters who have had to put up with increasing delays around the Fields Ertel Road interchange on I-71 in Deerfield Township, good news is on the way. Improvements to the busy intersection will start next year.

Residents got a chance to view some of the road improvement plans Thursday evening at a public open house at Deerfield Tower. Warren County and transportation planners presented aerial pictures and an artist rendering of what is in store to make the interchange easier to get through.

The first phase of the project will include lengthening the exit ramp from I-71 north to Mason-Montgomery Road. Later plans call for a new looping exit ramp to be created to directly funnel northbound Mason-Montgomery Road traffic without having to stop at traffic lights for Fields Ertel Road.

The plans got enthusiastic reviews from some of the people who came to the open house.

"It's exciting to see that there are plans in place. Not only plans in place but plans that are going to be implemented here very soon. We've been waiting a long time. A times it got to the point that it seemed like it was never going to happen. And now it's here," said Deerfield Township Trustee Pete Patterson.

Another open house to update residents on construction schedules and detour plans will be held in March.