LIBERTY TWP., Ohio -- Road construction to widen a portion of busy State Route 747 is expected to begin at the end of June and end by the end of next summer.
The $ 7 million project will cover a little more than a mile between Princeton and Millikin roads. The stretch, which passes Carriage Hill subdivision, consists of one northbound and one southbound lane with a turning lane in between.
After construction, there will be five lanes: two northbound, two southbound and a center turn lane.
The road is expected to remain open throughout the project. However, traffic will be rerouted if closures are necessary.
“If for any reason we have to close it for any operation, we would set up a detour," Butler County engineer Greg Wilkens said.
High traffic volume and capacity issues in the area have contributed to delays and accidents. Wilkens said he expects the road widening to minimize these issues.
Liberty Township is currently home to about 40,000 residents and that number is expected to double in the coming years.
Once construction begins, drivers can expect traffic to move a little slower through the area.
“Motorists may encounter occasional delays through the construction zone,” said Chris Petrocy, public information supervisor for the Butler County Engineer’s Office. “We would encourage motorists to find alternate routes.”
Pedestrians will also benefit. The project will make the area more walkable and safe with the addition of sidewalks and a shared-use path on both sides of the road.
Some of the cost will be paid with federal funds and the township will cover the remainder.
