Segment II-III - Relocated SR 32
Description
The Segment II-III study involves consolidating and managing access points to establish a relocated SR 32 corridor extending from US 50 in Fairfax (Hamilton County) to the I-275/SR 32 interchange in Clermont County.
Planned improvements consist of:
• a new interchange at US 50/Red Bank Road
• relocating SR 32, closely coordinated with the Oasis Rail Transit study for use of a shared multi-modal corridor
• a multi-modal clear-span crossing of the Little Miami River
• new transit stations at US 50 and Newtown Road (being developed separately as part of the Oasis Rail Transit study, but closely coordinated with Segment II-III Relocated SR 32)
• coordinating with other parts of the Eastern Corridor, including expanded bus transit, new bicycle facilities, and local network improvements.
Segment II-III project development is being closely coordinated with the adjacent Segment I (Red Bank) and Segment IVa projects, as well as consideration of design and operational requirements for the Oasis Rail Transit. Total length (for roadway) is about six miles. Click here to see a map of the Segment II-III study area.
A number of preliminary alternatives were developed for Segment II-III during the previous Eastern Corridor work (see Figure 3.12 of the Eastern Corridor Tier 1 Draft EIS (44mb file)). These alternatives consisted of broad corridors (500-800 feet wide) in which alignments will be refined. The Tier 2 work currently underway involves more detailed engineering, environmental studies and alternatives evaluation with the goal of identifying a preferred alternative for the needed transportation improvements.
Purpose and Need Summary
The purpose of the Eastern Corridor is to implement a multi-modal transportation improvement program that increases capacity, reduces congestion and delay, improves safety, provides modal options, and connects the region’s key transportation corridors and social and economic centers through the efficient movement of people, goods and services.
The specific goal for Segment II-III, in support of the overall purpose and need for the Eastern Corridor, is to establish relocated SR 32 as a controlled-access roadway west of I-275, coordinated with a new rail transit corridor that provides a transportation alternative to driving. SR 32 in this part of the Eastern Corridor experiences high volumes of commuter, heavy truck, and residential traffic. The need for transportation improvements results from poor levels-of-service and high crash rates along existing SR 32. The Tier 1 EIS reported that traffic volumes on SR 32 in the Segment II-III study area are projected to increase by 21 to 37 percent by 2030, and level-of-service on a majority of SR 32 in the Segment II-III study area is projected to be “E” or “F”, which indicates heavy congestion and long delays. Additionally, the Tier 1 EIS reported that all of SR 32 in the Segment II/III study area has an annual accident rate that exceeds the statewide average, with high accident rates at key intersections, including SR 32 and Round Bottom Road, SR 32 at Eight Mile Road and SR 32 at Mount Carmel Tobasco Road.
Level of service, accident and other purpose and need information from the Tier 1 work is reported in the Chapter 2 of the Tier 1 Draft EIS. This data is being updated and new information will be posted when available.
Important Issues
The Segment II-III study area contains a rich mix of important environmental and community resources. The study area encompasses the Village of Newtown, a portion of Anderson Township, and the south edges of the communities of Fairfax and Mariemont. This area contains a variety of land uses and disturbances, including residential, commercial and industrial development in and around Newtown and US 50 in Fairfax, wooded stream corridor and agricultural land along the national and state scenic Little Miami River, and wooded uplands with developing residential areas along SR 32 to the south and east of Newtown. This area also contains a number of recreational and natural areas including golf courses, ball fields, township greenspaces, and the Horseshoe Bend preserve. Extensive gravel mining occurs in the Ancor area near Newtown, and active landfills occur along US 50 west of the Little Miami River and along SR 32 east of Newtown. Finally, the Segment II-III area contains a number of sensitive historic and archaeological resources, especially along the Little Miami River floodplain, and in the Villages of Newtown and Mariemont. All of these important resources must be considered in the development of an effective, context-sensitive transportation solution through this area.
Project Information
Click on the links to the left under the Segment II-III Relocated SR 32 on the Current Studies Menu to view study documents, public involvement activites, schedules and contact information.
