1 major road project near Kings Island completed; another to begin

Driving to Kings Island should be less of a hassle this summer after more than $6 million in road improvements have been completed.

Work on Kings Island Drive was a major component of a regional improvement program, and recent completion of the project marks a milestone.

In December, the widening of Kings Island Drive and the installation of a new left turn lane for southbound traffic entering the amusement park was completed. The $6.5 million project also included a bike path and new medians with decorative lighting.

The project better supports incoming traffic off of I-71, officials said.

The Kings Island Drive completion means the next phase of work in this area can begin. Construction to create an interchange at I-71 and Western Row Road will begin early this year.

A $12.5 million relocation of Columbia Road from Western Row Road is designed to create traffic flow, officials said.

Spreading out the distance between the I-71 off ramp intersection and Columbia Road as well as improving turn lanes will allow motorists to move easier through the area, according to Warren County Engineer Neil Tunison.

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