WEST CHESTER TWP., Ohio -- West Chester trustees threw their support behind studying a concept to radically overhaul how traffic moves through the Union Centre Boulevard interchange with Interstate 75.
Traffic between Muhlhauser Road to Interstate 75 has increased from 26,180 cars per day in 2004 to about 49,000 in 2012.
One solution? A diverging diamond interchange.
Roberts Road at Interstate 270 uses a diverging diamond design. Photo courtesy Google Maps
It's just a concept at this point, the Journal-News reports. But staff at the Butler County Engineer's Office think a diverging diamond would help keep traffic flowing and increase safety. Traffic would criss-cross going across the overpass, eliminating left-turn conflicts and slowing down speeds.
The design also could include better paths and walkways for pedestrians.
Of course, there are some possible downsides, too: Drivers might not be familiar with how to use a diverging diamond, so they might end up in oncoming traffic. Plus, drivers who accidentally get off I-75 wouldn't have direct access to get back onto the freeway.
The trustees' approval lets Butler County Engineer Greg Wilkens move ahead with studying the idea.
“I think we’re overdue for this interchange, for these improvements,” Trustee Lee Wong said.
Read more about the diverging diamond at the Journal-News, a WCPO media partner.
