By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Reporter
It may be a
pain in the neck to drive on Interstate 471 throughout the summer for commuters
from Fort Thomas and surrounding towns going to and from Cincinnati.
But when
the work is done, a bigger financial impact may occur for Fort Thomas. The
short interstate that goes from Interstate-275 to Interstate-75 is being
resurfaced going North and South.
“Hopefully, when this project is completed, our
residents who travel I-471 will have easier access to and from work or
shopping,” said Don Martin, Fort
Thomas City Administrative Officer. “Additionally,
if the work being done relieves congestion, it may be easier for people who
live elsewhere to visit Fort Thomas businesses.”
Martin said
Fort Thomas and neighboring cities do not have any say in the work on I-471.
That falls under the guidance of the Kentucky Department of Transportation. But
Martin did say he has not heard I-471 is going to become a toll road, unlike
what some have suggested.
While crew
will work like crazy to expand I-471 this summer, Martin said various streets
in Fort Thomas will be repaired and resurfaced this summer. Clover
Ridge/Rossford Road between Memorial Parkway and North Fort Thomas Avenue in
addition to Mel Lawn and Broadview will receive those upgrades. The good news is
those roads will not be closed off during construction.
“Anytime the city resurfaces a street, we require that
at least one lane remains open,”
Martin said. “However, people who
regularly travel Clover Ridge and Rossford may want to find an alternate route
depending on where they live.”
The
upgrades usually take place between July and September. Martin said the city
crews take care of the sidewalks and curbs before the roads receive the
resurfacing. Various contractors bid on the resurfacing.
Road
construction is often done to make intersections safer. But Martin said there
are no roads or intersections that are of major concern.