Brown-32 construction starts with ramp closure this week

According to ODOT District 9 Deputy Director James A. Brushart, ODOT officials have been working with their contractors to accelerate the first phase of construction for a four-lane resurfacing and rehabilitation project on state Route 32 in Brown County.

“As part of the construction plans, a full closure of the on-ramp to Route 32 was deemed necessary given the geometrics of the merge lane to the highway's mainline and the nature of work to be completed,” said Brushart.

“While we must close the ramp for the safety of both motorists and work crews during this phase of construction, we realize the impact this closure will have on the traveling public. Therefore, working with our contractors and officials from the village of Mt. Orab, the Brown County Commissioners and the Brown County Engineer’s Office, we have made a concerted effort to accelerate this project, and we appreciate the cooperation of everyone involved.”

Site preparations got under way last week when contractors erected signs, placed barrels and mobilized crews for the 5.8-mile resurfacing project between the Clermont County line and the U.S. Route 68 overpass. Although the on-ramp to S.R. 32 West was scheduled to be closed next Monday, April 5, the ramp will now be closed tomorrow, March 30.

In addition to the closure this week, the maintenance of traffic plan detouring motorists has also been changed. Traffic will now be detoured locally over County Road 89 (Bardwell West Road) and County Road 87 (Bodman Road) rather than the original planned detour via the state and federal highway system, which is customary for all state administered projects.

“We also appreciate the consideration of the Brown County Engineer, Todd Cluxton, and the Commissioners, who have consented to the local detour,” added Brushart.

The John R. Jurgensen Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded a contract for approximately $4.09 million to resurface the route, and throughout construction traffic will be maintained on S.R. 32 in at least one lane in each direction. Currently, mainline S.R. 32 traffic is restricted only at the U.S. 68 overpass at Mt. Orab, and traffic on the other S.R. 32 on/off ramps will not be restricted during the first phase of construction.