Big Federal Infrastructure Grant Bringing Double Crossover Diamonds To I-71/75

New interchanges may help ease traffic congestion in northern Kentucky.

An example of a double crossover diamond interchange, like the one to be constructed at the I-71/75 interchanges at Richwood Road and Mt. Zion Road in Boone County. Image via Indiana Department of Transportation.

(Boone County, Ky.) - Boone County residents may see less traffic congestion at some busy Interstate 71/75 interchanges thanks to a newly announced federal grant.

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant Friday morning.

“Once this project is completed, the improved interstate will better serve the entire region – not only by making travel safer and more efficient for passenger vehicles but also by supporting commercial freight transportation which is vital to thousands of workers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport,” McConnell said. “As this part of our state continues to see new growth and economic development, I am pleased that this major interstate project can help us reach our full potential.”

Among those he thanked for the funding, McConnell named his wife and U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

Interchanges at Kentucky 338 in Richwood, Kentucky 536/Mt. Zion Road in Union, and KY-338 at U.S. 25 will see upgrades. The addition of state, local and private money will put the total funding for those projects at about $151 million.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the work slated to start in 2019 and be completed by winter 2021 includes:

· Replacement of the existing conventional diamond I-71/I-75 interchanges at KY 338 (Richwood Road) and KY 536 (Mt. Zion Road) with double crossover diamond (DCD) interchanges. These improvements eliminate bottlenecks and improve safety;

· Reconstruction of the intersection of U.S. 25 and KY 338 just east of the I-71/I-75 interchange with KY 338 to construct a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), eliminating two at-grade rail crossings;

· Construction of northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes along I-71/I-75 north of the KY 536 interchange (MP 178.039 to MP 180.06); and

· Enhancements including minor widening along KY 536 and KY 338 to accommodate turn lanes, intersection improvements, access management and non-motorized transportation improvements.

Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore says the interchange improvements will impact congestion, safety, and help the movement of goods and services.

“These grant resources will support the significant economic development activity occurring here in Boone County and result in continuing job creation and private investment. We commend Transportation Secretary Chao for the use of federal resources that will pay dividends to local communities and extend our gratitude to Senator McConnell, Senator Paul, Representative Massie and Governor Bevin for their unwavering support of this critical infrastructure project,” Moore said.