The middle lanes are closed while the median is being removed to create new left turn lanes. Greg Horn, Centerville city manager, said they have been working with ODOT to improve the road and make it easier for traffic to flow through the area.
“Widening the turn lanes, both north and south, will effectively double the stacking capacity to enter onto the interstate’s ramps,” Horn said.
Funding from the project comes from multiple sources. Two-thirds of the project is being paid for with federal funds. One-third of it is coming from tax increment financing, Horn said.
This section of Wilmington Pike services Kettering, Bellbrook, Sugarcreek Twp., Washington Twp. and Centerville.
“Additional stacking capacity for cars going towards the Dayton Mall, or cars going towards The Greene will make the traffic flow much better,” Horn said.
The construction has caused some problems for motorists during their daily commute. However, many of them agree that the road needs to be widened.
“We just have to be patient,” said Joe Caruso, who has lived in Centerville for more than 10 years. “I just let the workers do what they have to do and everything will look nice in the end.
The next phase of the Wilmington Pike project will include widening the road toward the north between Dille Drive and Brown Road. It is scheduled to begin next spring.
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