CINCINNATI — The Ridge Avenue ramp off of I-71 north near Columbia Township will remain closed for longer than initially announced, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The closure was originally announced in early July. That press release said the ramp would be closed for up to 21 days, starting on July 21.
Now, ODOT's website says the I-71/Ridge Avenue project won't be completed until mid-October. We asked ODOT about the project, and they said the ramp to Ridge Avenue from I-71 should reopen in mid-September before the overall project wraps up.
The project is slated to repair a damaged retaining wall and build draining improvements behind the wall that supports Geier Drive above the ramp.
The extended closure is due to unexpected construction challenges. Contractors repairing and securing the retaining wall on the Exit 8A ramp encountered gravel instead of dirt as soil sample suggested when drilling for anchors, causing gravel to refill the newly drilled holes.
Kathleen Fuller, ODOT District 8 spokesperson, acknowledged the difficulties with the traffic flow but said the project was necessary to preserve the retaining wall’s strength for years to come.
Watch how the closure is impacting drivers and a local business:
Traffic Headache
According to ODOT, drivers will be detoured off of I-71 north via Red Bank Expressway and Madison Road to Ridge Avenue. But many drivers take Exit 8C to Kennedy Avenue.
The backup on Kennedy Avenue is primarily caused by a traffic light with no protected left turn for drivers trying to get to I-71 North. We observed an entire traffic light cycle without a single car making it through until the light turned red.
"It's really hard to get a perfect balance," Fuller said.
While the light timing has already been adjusted once, Fuller said it can be revisited.
"I'll ask our traffic operations people to kind of see if there's anything additional that can be done," Fuller said.
