The Route 35 redesign, near Orchard Lane in Beavercreek, will include removing five traffic lights and using u-turn ramps to allow traffic moving in one direction to turn around and travel in the opposite direction using an under or overpass.
The new highway design is expected to increase safety and reduce traffic congestion.
Township trustees approved a letter of support for the project during a township meeting earlier this week .
“Our residents rely on us to be good regional stewards and to serve the community with their best interests in mind,” wrote township trustees in a May 26 letter addressed to the Ohio Transportation Review Advisory Council. “Not only will this locally preferred alternative for U.S. 35 make the corridor safer by permitting unencumbered access to township properties both north and south of US 35, it will also improve traffic flow and make commuting easier.”
In addition to the township and county, the City of Beavercreek has taken on a road construction project that is tied into the Route 35 redesign. The city is working on a $2.5 million construction project that will eliminate the existing intersection at Shakertown Road and Route 35 and extend Shakertown Road to the east to meet Factory Road. This part of the construction project will also correct an offset intersection at Factory Road and Alpha-Bellbrook Road/Yellow Brick Road.
Greene County will sponsor the larger Route 35 project and submit a funding application to the state TRAC before the end of the month.
State funding is a key component of the $100 million plan, according to local government officials. Without it, the project would stall.
“We are pleased the township has agreed to pledge $50,000 for the right-of-way acquisition match,” said Greene County Administrator Brandon Huddleson. “… That, along with the City of Beavercreek’s commitment, will put the application in a much better position this time. Additionally, several businesses in the corridor are supportive of the project and agree that it is important from a safety standpoint. The county city and township continue to work with them to address the construction and accessibility concerns they have.”
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