Open house to explain I-75 plans in W. Toledo

1/28/2013

A study of upcoming I-75 construction’s potential impact on local streets in West Toledo will be the subject of a community open house Tuesday at Rosa Parks Elementary School, 3350 Cherry St.

The project study area encompasses neighborhoods on either side of I-75 between Central Avenue and Phillips Avenue as far west as Willys Parkway and as far east as Phillips.

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s plans for the final phase of rebuilding the I-475/I-75 junction includes widening I-75 between I-475 and Phillips and closing the half-interchange at Berdan Avenue. The ODOT project, expected to cost more than $100 million, is not yet funded or formally scheduled, but has been planned for more than a decade.

Exhibits about the local streets study will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. in the school library. Formal presentations will be given at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Study team representatives will be available at other times.

Comments collected during the session will be used in developing alternative street plans, including an evaluation of the I-75 project and changes proposed in conjunction with redevelopment of the former Jeep factory site, now called Overland Industrial Park. Two more meetings are planned later this year.