The new interchange opened to motorists July 2, but local, state and federal dignitaries at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 16, will mark the official grand opening of the $22 million project that is expected to bring 28,000 jobs to the area in the next 10 to 20 years.
Its construction already has prompted the $7 million widening of Byers Road in Miamisburg — forecast to bring some 5,000 local jobs through new businesses and relocating companies — the move of the headquarters of Teradata and Motoman to Austin Landing and the development surrounding the interchange. Also, two proton cancer treatment centers have announced their intentions to build in the area.
Officials said vehicle accidents have been nominal (three) since the opening of the new interchange and none of them were associated with the new continuous flow intersection at Austin Boulevard and Ohio 741. The Miami Valley is the first in Ohio among a handful of other states to use the continuous flow design.
“Most people that have driven it a couple times feel that it’s a great improvement,” said Miami Twp. Police Chief Chris Krug. “It’s just so confusing the first time.”
Melissa Noel, a resident at the nearby Crains Run subdivision, said she drives daily on the new interchange.
“It saves me a lot of time, and it’s very well-marked,” said Noel, though she does, “still see some people a little confused.”
Abner said there is still an adjustment period “as people learn to navigate it.”
According to ODOT data in the early 2000s, the combined average daily traffic count was about 10,200 vehicles for the eastern and western portions of Austin Boulevard — then Miamisburg-Springboro Pike to the west of I-75 and Springboro Pike to the east. Transportation officials estimate that same stretch within five years will more than double to an estimated 27,270 vehicles daily.
“It will be interesting to see once the businesses go in and we see a lot more flow of nonlocal traffic, how it goes,” Noel said.
Charlie Johnson, manager and head squash professional at the Dayton Squash Center along West Tech Road off Ohio 741, just south of the intersection, said he expects to see more businesses built.
“It’s great to have the interchange that close, absolutely fabulous,” he said. “But that intersection, well, it continues to be a little bit of a misnomer.”
Johnson said he routinely sees motorists disregard the light and turn right on red. “That’s because it seems like there’s a lot of waiting at it,” he said. “Maybe it needs a little tweaking, yet.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-9338 or kmcallister@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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