Preliminary engineering for the $800 million Eastern Corridor project, a transportation improvement plan designed to ease traffic congestion on the east side of Cincinnati, will begin soon with field tests.

        Letters distributed by the Hamilton County Transportation Improvement District and the Clermont County Engineer's Office were sent to property owners along the corridor last weekend informing them of the study.

        Pat Manger, Clermont County's chief deputy engineer, said the field study will involve visual inspections and taking photographs to determine what environmental and ecological impact the corridor route would have.

        “The study will include collecting data on natural areas along with developed areas, historic buildings, wetlands and streams,” he said. “We will look at this data to determine the most appropriate alternative to take in making improvements in the traffic system.”

        The Eastern Corridor project, planned by the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) extends from downtown Cincinnati to Milford, Batavia and Amelia and includes parts of Northern Kentucky along Interstates 275 and 471.

        Critical areas where major construction is planned include Ohio 32, Eastern Avenue, Lunken Airport, Wooster Pike, Red Bank Road, Wasson Road and the river floodplains. The most controversial part of the project is a proposed 10-mile highway that would reroute Ohio 32 north of Newtown with a bridge crossing the Little Miami River.

        About 12,000 pieces of property will be involved in the study.

        Kellie Grob, public relations consultant, said only 6,000 letters went out because many property owners own several parcels.

        Rick Record, project manager for Balke Engineering in Roselawn, said several inquiries have been received since the letters went out.

        “We have not really received any complaints,” Mr. Record said.

        “Mostly people were calling to find out exactly what was going on. Once they were told about the study, they understood,” he said. “Overall, people have been cooperative.”

        He said the area to be studied will include a broader area than would actually be involved in construction.

        James Horstmeyer of Withamsville welcomed the improvement project. He and his wife, Evelyn, live between Ohio 32 and Ohio 125.

        “I think it is a great project and we need it desperately,” Mrs. Horstmeyer said. “The way this area is growing, something has to be done.”

        Mr. Horstmeyer said he is glad he is retired and doesn't have to fight the rush-hour traffic on Ohio 32, Ohio 125 and Ohio 128.

        “It is good that the planners are looking ahead and dealing with the problem now,” he said.

        Projections by Mr. Record's firm indicate that the population in that area will jump from about 670,000 to 1 million in 2030.

        For questions or concerns about the project can call 271-3898 or visit www.easterncorridor. org.

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