LM BOARD APPROVES ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Project under budget by 26 percent

As Little Miami Local School District's construction projects near completion, the district is preparing for the final road improvements that must be made prior to starting school next fall.

The board approved bids for road projects on June 2. These projects, which came in 26 percent under budget, will be funded from the bond issue passed in May 2006. Money generated from a bond issue can only be used for costs associated with construction and renovations.

The road improvements at the High School and Junior High campus include widening St. Rt. 22/3, including a new right-hand turn lane from 22/3 onto Morrow Cozaddale, a right-hand turn lane from 22/3 into the High School drive adjacent to the tennis courts, and an acceleration lane turn onto 22/3 at the tennis courts. Morrow Cozaddale will also be widened at the intersection of 22/3 to include three northbound lanes — a left turn only, right turn only and a straight lane. Construction will begin later this month. No road closures or detours are expected.

The road improvements at the new Little Miami Intermediate School include removing the "hump" on Zoar Road to improve visibility, widening Stephens Road on the school side of the road and adding turn lanes into the school from Zoar Road and from Stephens onto Zoar. Construction is due to begin July 6, and road closures along portions of Zoar Road are expected.

These road improvements were designed in conjunction with Hamilton Township, Warren County and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

"Traffic Impact Studies are required to be completed for any construction project that impacts the traffic patterns and flow on township, county and state roads," explained Justin Koenes, Project Manager with Quandel/Dugan & Meyers. "Through these studies, engineers research current traffic loads and compare them to the anticipated and expected impact the new facilities will have on the current traffic patterns."

Little Miami conducted studies for both the intermediate school site and the high school and junior high school campus. The studies take into consideration the current traffic, the new traffic generated from the new facilities and the normal population growth of the area. The engineers then make recommendations to modify the roads, taking into consideration the safety of all motorists traveling the roads.

The Traffic Impact Studies and recommendations are reviewed by the township, county and state for approval prior to proceeding with any modifications. These governing authorities review the studies and recommendations and provide input based on their own design standards and long-term plans for these roads.

Money for these road improvements was budgeted into the bond issue and will not come from the district's operating funds. Construction will be complete prior to the opening of school in September.