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Regional Boards => Great Lakes and Ohio Valley => Topic started by: vtk on August 25, 2015, 05:05:55 PM

Title: Interstate 71 miscellany thread
Post by: vtk on August 25, 2015, 05:05:55 PM
This thread for general discussion of Interstate 71 in the Great Lakes region, which I've decided includes the portions in Ohio from the Greene—Fayette county line to Cleveland. [rationale] (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=10379.msg2028723#msg2028723) [see also Ohio Valley counterpart] (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=16299.msg2088844#msg2088844)




I'm actually having trouble coming up with something specific to start the thread that doesn't already have its own thread.  Hudson Street overpass replacement in Columbus maybe?  Upcoming widening projects south of I-70?  Those long-distance travel time signs that seem to think traffic moves at 61 MPH in the best case scenario?
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: amroad17 on August 25, 2015, 07:18:32 PM
At least one of the southbound mileage signs (the one after the US 30 Mansfield interchange) has the correct distance to Cincinnati now (176 miles instead of 181).  The other one south of Belleville has not yet been replaced.  It shows Cincinnati at 169 miles when it should be 164.

Just drove on I-71 to I-76 and from I-271 to Cincinnati last week.  The sections north of Columbus are very smooth and three-laned.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: ysuindy on August 25, 2015, 10:04:14 PM
I moved from Youngstown to Indianapolis in January 1997.   Finally nice last month to drive back on a three lane 71 with no construction.

We will need to resurrect this thread at Thanksgiving.  I'm curious if the completion of the third lane will keep 71 northbound from Columbus from being a parking lot on Wednesday night.  After spending a couple of years where it took three hours or so to get from 270 to 76, we learned alternate routes.  Mostly 69 to 469 to 30 to 77 to 76.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: vtk on November 15, 2015, 03:48:01 AM
Lots of work in the median now for the widening project from OH 665 to Stringtown Road in Grove City. I imagine once that's done, the need for improvements at the 270 interchange will be felt even more strongly.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on December 28, 2015, 07:15:50 PM
I was on 71 earlier this month and noticed that there are blue median mile markers every 0.2 miles from Columbus all the way to Cleveland, and in many cases the green ones on the shoulder side were gone. Are they phasing out the green ones?
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on September 22, 2016, 06:07:42 PM
The project to reconfigure access to Stringtown Rd from 71 south and 270 is being pushed up, and could start as soon as next year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCBskeQK-Xk
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: vtk on September 26, 2016, 09:17:29 AM
It looks a bit like the project scope stops just shy of fixing the deficient merge of the I-71 SB to I-270 WB ramp where it meets the accelerating NB to WB ramp.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on December 12, 2017, 02:27:44 PM
They are now calling this the "South Side Mega Fix" and it includes widening I-71 from Stringtown Rd to I-70/OH 315

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/districts/D06/projects/Documents/South%20Side%20Mega%20Fix/South%20Side%20Mega%20Fix%20Fact%20Sheet%202017.pdf
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on January 22, 2020, 10:56:24 AM
I don't recall seeing this project mentioned elsewhere, and I figure it fits this thread:

Currently listed under TRAC tier II is this project to add an interchange on I-71 at Big Walnut Road. This would be exit 124, 3 miles north of Polaris Parkway/Gemini Place, 7 miles south of US 36/OH 37. Construction could start in 2023 at the earliest.

https://engineer.co.delaware.oh.us/projects/bigwalnutinterchange/
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: vtk on August 01, 2020, 04:40:12 PM
I think I noticed that in the MORPC long-range transportation plan
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on November 28, 2020, 07:10:36 PM
Today on I-71 north of Columbus I noticed a new (to me anyway) sign that updates the travel times to US 30 and I believe I-76 (only got a brief glimpse due to a semi.) I think it was north of the Polaris exit, but it may have been north of US 36/OH 37.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: vtk on November 28, 2020, 07:14:19 PM
That's been there for a few years. Like other rural travel signs in Ohio, they never seem to indicate a faster time than if one traveled at a constant 62 MPH, even though the speed limits on rural Interstates in Ohio is 70.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 30, 2020, 12:21:05 PM
The sign Buck 87 saw was just south of 36/37 (where the weigh station used to be)
There is a corresponding time/mileage sign for I-71 SB, just south of I-76/224, that shows US 30 & US 36.
(and of course the various other time-mileage signs on the other interstates across Ohio)
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on December 24, 2020, 09:14:38 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on November 28, 2020, 07:10:36 PM
Today on I-71 north of Columbus I noticed a new (to me anyway) sign that updates the travel times to US 30 and I believe I-76 (only got a brief glimpse due to a semi.) I think it was north of the Polaris exit, but it may have been north of US 36/OH 37.
Not sure where the exact location is, but think I saw one on I-71 N a while ago around the Lebanon area with distances/times to US 35 and I-270 that's similar to what you described. If that's the case, there's probably one on I-71 S in Columbus with the distance/time to I-275 as well.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: tdindy88 on December 25, 2020, 12:34:06 AM
Yeah, there's a southbound sign with distances to SR 435 (US 35) and I-275 south of Columbus. Personally I like those signs, I wish Indiana could have signs like that for the rural interstates to compliment the ones they have in the urban areas.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on December 25, 2020, 07:43:28 PM
As far as I know these are just on I-71, though it's been a while since I've been on the sections of 75, 77 or 70 where they'd most likely be located (the areas just outside of major cities heading outbound)
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: tdindy88 on December 25, 2020, 07:48:08 PM
I-75 has one north of I-275 in Cincinnati and south of I-675 in Dayton. I-70 has at least one west of Columbus and maybe a second east of Dayton.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on December 25, 2020, 07:58:27 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on December 25, 2020, 07:48:08 PM
I-75 has one north of I-275 in Cincinnati and south of I-675 in Dayton. I-70 has at least one west of Columbus and maybe a second east of Dayton.

Thanks, now that you bring it up the one on 75 south of Dayton does ring a bell. Though with it being as close as it is to Cincinnati and in a corridor with a lot of suburban sprawl I suppose seeing it never struck me as noteworthy, like the one on 71 north of Columbus did.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: vtk on December 29, 2020, 03:15:25 AM
I note that these signs appear to always list the next two junctions that are either Interstates or US routes, which might not always be what's most useful. For example, heading west out of Columbus you get times to US 42 and US 40. I suppose arguments could be made for why that's useful, but I think one of the more distant junctions like US 68, I-675, or I-75 would be just as useful.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Buck87 on January 15, 2021, 09:40:54 AM
Noticed another one of these signs on I-77 northbound approaching I-70 that was a bit different in its approach. Instead of showing the time time to various route numbers, it showed the time to the control cities for the 3 directions of the upcoming interchange (Cleveland, Columbus and Wheeling.)
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on January 15, 2021, 12:11:11 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on January 15, 2021, 09:40:54 AM
Noticed another one of these signs on I-77 northbound approaching I-70 that was a bit different in its approach. Instead of showing the time time to various route numbers, it showed the time to the control cities for the 3 directions of the upcoming interchange (Cleveland, Columbus and Wheeling.)
Unrelated note, but I'm probably the only one annoyed by this: Why is Wheeling the primary control of I-70 east from Columbus eastward instead of Pittsburgh? Like I know I-70 doesn't go through Pittsburgh's downtown, but it does enter the metro area, which imo is good enough for a control city if the city is well-known to most travelers. Actually, I don't think Pittsburgh is signed at all on I-70 east; after Wheeling, it's Washington, PA. It is used as a control westbound though.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Rothman on January 15, 2021, 02:15:44 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on January 15, 2021, 12:11:11 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on January 15, 2021, 09:40:54 AM
Noticed another one of these signs on I-77 northbound approaching I-70 that was a bit different in its approach. Instead of showing the time time to various route numbers, it showed the time to the control cities for the 3 directions of the upcoming interchange (Cleveland, Columbus and Wheeling.)
Unrelated note, but I'm probably the only one annoyed by this: Why is Wheeling the primary control of I-70 east from Columbus eastward instead of Pittsburgh? Like I know I-70 doesn't go through Pittsburgh's downtown, but it does enter the metro area, which imo is good enough for a control city if the city is well-known to most travelers. Actually, I don't think Pittsburgh is signed at all on I-70 east; after Wheeling, it's Washington, PA. It is used as a control westbound though.
I-70 doesn't go to Pittsburgh.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Mr_Northside on January 15, 2021, 03:58:13 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on January 15, 2021, 12:11:11 PM
Actually, I don't think Pittsburgh is signed at all on I-70 east; after Wheeling, it's Washington, PA. It is used as a control westbound though.

I could have swore that I saw it on at least one overhead (possibly with 2 control cities on it) somewhere in Ohio.  However, I haven't been on I-70 in Ohio since 2009, so (A) I may be totally wrong to begin with, and (B) even if I am right, it may have been removed/replaced with a sign that doesn't have it.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: amroad17 on January 20, 2021, 02:39:12 AM
Quote from: Mr_Northside on January 15, 2021, 03:58:13 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on January 15, 2021, 12:11:11 PM
Actually, I don't think Pittsburgh is signed at all on I-70 east; after Wheeling, it's Washington, PA. It is used as a control westbound though.

I could have swore that I saw it on at least one overhead (possibly with 2 control cities on it) somewhere in Ohio.  However, I haven't been on I-70 in Ohio since 2009, so (A) I may be totally wrong to begin with, and (B) even if I am right, it may have been removed/replaced with a sign that doesn't have it.
Yes, at Exit 129 (OH 79-Buckeye Lake interchange) on I-70 East...

https://goo.gl/maps/Cjn9grtVr9VUSZkJ7

The only mention of Pittsburgh along I-70 in Ohio.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: amroad17 on January 20, 2021, 02:58:48 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on January 15, 2021, 12:11:11 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on January 15, 2021, 09:40:54 AM
Noticed another one of these signs on I-77 northbound approaching I-70 that was a bit different in its approach. Instead of showing the time time to various route numbers, it showed the time to the control cities for the 3 directions of the upcoming interchange (Cleveland, Columbus and Wheeling.)
Unrelated note, but I'm probably the only one annoyed by this: Why is Wheeling the primary control of I-70 east from Columbus eastward instead of Pittsburgh? Like I know I-70 doesn't go through Pittsburgh's downtown, but it does enter the metro area, which imo is good enough for a control city if the city is well-known to most travelers. Actually, I don't think Pittsburgh is signed at all on I-70 east; after Wheeling, it's Washington, PA. It is used as a control westbound though.
The reason it is signed westbound--and only on the PA Turnpike--is because of that.  Once I-70 leaves the Turnpike, it is Washington, PA, Wheeling, and then Columbus.  Wheeling is fine as a control point on I-70 East from Columbus.

Also, I went on Google Maps on checked out what I will call the "variable time signs" there south of Cambridge (just north of the Byesville interchange).  The sign has Canton, Wheeling, and Columbus listed on it.  There is also one at the US 22 overpass southbound with Marietta (47 mi/46 min), Wheeling (52 mi/47 min), and Columbus (85 mi/79 min) listed.  I have also noticed that the mileage sign on US 22 for the SB I-77 ramp has Marietta 48 and Columbus 84.  I tend to believe that the newer sign has the more accurate mileage.

Now returning to I-71.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on January 20, 2021, 02:33:08 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on January 15, 2021, 09:40:54 AM
Noticed another one of these signs on I-77 northbound approaching I-70 that was a bit different in its approach. Instead of showing the time time to various route numbers, it showed the time to the control cities for the 3 directions of the upcoming interchange (Cleveland, Columbus and Wheeling.)

There are variations of that for each direction (70/77) approaching Cambridge.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 28, 2021, 12:53:36 AM
https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/09/21/ohios-deadliest-5-mile-stretch-interstate-71-columbus-franklin-county-most-fatal-crashes-88-counties/5786913001/

(since the Dispatch is paywalled....)
If you've always thought Columbus drivers were bad, now you have some proof.

An analysis of the latest federal fatal traffic crash data found that a portion of Interstate 71 in Columbus ranked as the deadliest 5-mile stretch of roadway in Ohio during a three-year period.

MoneyGeek, a personal finance technology company, analyzed three years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data on fatal crashes between 2017 and 2019 and found that 10 fatal crashes occurred on I-71 between 11th Avenue to the south and Morse Road to the north – the most for any 5-mile stretch in the state.

Additionally, Franklin County had the most fatal crashes of any of Ohio's 88 counties, with 270 fatal crashes resulting in 287 deaths, the report found.

The San Francisco-based company compiled and released the report in order to gain insight into where fatal crashes often occur and understand any contributing factors, said Doug Milnes, a data analyst and spokesman for MoneyGeek.

"We undertook this study to help individuals identify the local roads that are more dangerous so individuals can make safe choices while driving them," Milnes said. "In some instances, there's an opportunity for authorities to make positive changes to roads."

ODOT: 'Developing plans for a solution' to deadly I-71 stretch
The stretch of I-71 singled out in the MoneyGeek analysis is already a priority for the Ohio Department of Transportation, said Breanna Badanes, a spokeswoman for ODOT in the Greater Columbus area. Because the corridor runs through a densely populated residential and business area, Badanes said ODOT is considering solutions that would minimize the disruption to the surrounding area. 

"We're already studying the corridor and have committed funding to develop plans for a solution," Badanes said in an email after the Dispatch shared the MoneyGeek report's findings. "The crashes primarily occur in locations where bottlenecks develop, which is why addressing the congestion will be key to improving safety."

ODOT's statewide safety program is the 4th-largest in the nation, with more than $150 million dedicated to safety improvements each year, Badanes said.

MoneyGeek analyzed 3,129 fatal crashes in Ohio – including ones that involved pedestrians and bicyclists –  and found that more that 1,800 roads in the state were the scene of fatal crashes during those three years.

Based on the report's findings, Franklin County's roadways appear to be particularly dangerous for motorists.

The 287 people who died in that three-year period on Franklin County's roadways is 43 more than people who died in traffic crashes in that timespan in Cuyahoga County, the report found. The majority of those fatal crashes (17) occurred along Interstate 270.

And within Columbus alone, 182 fatal crashes occurred between 2017 and 2019, resulting in 198 deaths.

Two of state's four deadliest 5-mile stretches are in Columbus
Of the four deadliest 5-mile stretches of roadway in Ohio, two are located in Columbus.

In addition to the I-71 stretch that ranked first, Cleveland Avenue between Huy Road in North Linden and Maplewood Drive on the Northeast Side ranked fourth, according to MoneyGeek's analysis.

The Cleveland Avenue stretch is a busy undivided highway with vehicles coming into the roadway from intersections and businesses, Milnes said. In 2020, there was construction on the Downtown stretch of Cleveland Avenue to improve safety, although the project was south of the highlighted 5-mile stretch, Milnes noted.

The second-deadliest 5-mile stretch in Ohio was Interstate 75 in Cincinnati between Allen Road and Glendale Milford Road, while Interstate 480 between Broadview Road and Exit 20A at the I-71 interchange in Independence, south of Cleveland, ranked third.

In March, Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther released the city's Vision Zero Initiative, which is meant to improve safety in areas of the city with the highest likelihood of traffic fatalities by lowering speed limits or redesigning streets.

September deadliest month in Ohio for fatal crashes
In Ohio, September had the most fatal crashes of any month between 2017 and 2019 – about 10.4% – likely due to the amount of motorists traveling during Labor Day weekends.

However, Milnes noted that while the location of fatal crashes can be instructive, the factors contributing to the wrecks may be far more informative.

"Even the most trafficked and deadly roads contribute a fraction of the total fatal accidents," he said.

For instance, 45 fatal crashes occurred between 2017 and 2019 along the entirety of Interstate 70 from Pennsylvania to Indiana, comprising less than 2% of all deaths in Ohio.

Yet 31% of fatal crashes in Ohio involved drunken driving, and 25% involved motorists driving at a high rate of speed, according to accident investigation reports. Distracted driving was reported by traffic investigators to be involved in just 6% of fatal crashes, leading MoneyGeek to rank Ohio 37th in the nation for distracted driving.

"An unanticipated but, in retrospect, obvious conclusion," Milnes said, "is that our individual choices behind the wheel add up to be a bigger factor than the individual road or driving condition."
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Rothman on September 28, 2021, 06:35:55 AM
Stats weren't normalized to account for VMT or volume.  Without normalization, you can't compare 5 mile segments across a atate.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: 74/171FAN on September 28, 2021, 07:10:30 AM
When I drove I-71 NB in Columbus heading to the Cleveland Meet, I was shocked in that heading northbound it exited off of itself in order to access I-70 EB.  Personally, I see that as a bigger concern than north of downtown, but what do I know.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on September 28, 2021, 08:58:39 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 28, 2021, 07:10:30 AM
When I drove I-71 NB in Columbus heading to the Cleveland Meet, I was shocked in that heading northbound it exited off of itself in order to access I-70 EB.  Personally, I see that as a bigger concern than north of downtown, but what do I know.
You're referring to the single lane NB 71 movement in the western I-70/71 interchange right? I think that whole interchange will be redone in the coming years as part of Phase 6 in the "70/71 Ramp Up"  project, but as of now, there's 2 alternative routings to avoid that: 71-315-670-71 or 71-315-270-71.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: 74/171FAN on September 28, 2021, 09:00:24 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on September 28, 2021, 08:58:39 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 28, 2021, 07:10:30 AM
When I drove I-71 NB in Columbus heading to the Cleveland Meet, I was shocked in that heading northbound it exited off of itself in order to access I-70 EB.  Personally, I see that as a bigger concern than north of downtown, but what do I know.
You're referring to the single lane NB 71 movement in the western I-70/71 interchange right? I think that whole interchange will be redone in the coming years as part of Phase 6 in the "70/71 Ramp Up"  project, but as of now, there's 2 alternative routings to avoid that: 71-315-670-71 or 71-315-270-71.

Yes, you are correct.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on May 11, 2022, 06:53:29 PM
A few photos I took earlier today of the new signage (w/ the new style larger curved exit tabs in Ohio) that's on I-71 from downtown Cincinnati up to about I-275. It replaced older signs, most of which are button copy. Note that replacements started as early as 2018, but coming back from college, this is the first time I noticed that they have all been replaced.

(https://i.imgur.com/0uWxPKT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/V4q5AC9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7qcwTbA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Fl8Sgd2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jkjdgSB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/x0cJbDp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tDxR06P.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/X1YqWBp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/edyQNmF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kIBMsen.jpg)
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: thenetwork on May 11, 2022, 07:41:44 PM
In the case of the closed Kennedy exit signs -- hasn't the ODOT norm been to just place a diagonal CLOSED sign across the center of the sign?
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on May 11, 2022, 10:24:46 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 11, 2022, 07:41:44 PM
In the case of the closed Kennedy exit signs -- hasn't the ODOT norm been to just place a diagonal CLOSED sign across the center of the sign?
I have no idea. But what I found unusual is that the sign at where the ramp would be is entirely covered up. And the Kennedy Ave ramp project was supposed to be part of the general I-71 improvements project in that area, but for some reason, the construction equipment are gone without that part done, and no mention of the ramp on ODOT's site either. You think they would keep it consistent and cover all the signs fully if the ramp wouldn't be finished for another year or two.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: amroad17 on May 18, 2022, 02:01:53 AM
Is the Kennedy Ave overpass supposed to be replaced?  The reason I am asking is this: https://goo.gl/maps/HYnMQ1XvFvXBbQiV9

Maybe that is why EXIT 8C is closed.  From other street views, currently there is not a ramp leading from I-71 North to Kennedy--only a closed ramp from Kennedy to I-71 North.

EXIT 8C used to be signed for Ridge Ave North (8A was for Ridge Ave South), however, that loop ramp is also currently closed.  It will probably be demolished whenever the Kennedy ramp is constructed, I guess.

Obviously, a reconstructed ramp from Kennedy to I-71 North will be done as seen by how close the new EXIT 9 overhead sign was placed so close to the current ramp.
https://goo.gl/maps/FThxH9R5DSGoR98p8  I cannot see using the current ramp with the structure that close to the road surface.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on May 18, 2022, 02:37:32 AM
Quote from: amroad17 on May 18, 2022, 02:01:53 AM
Is the Kennedy Ave overpass supposed to be replaced?  The reason I am asking is this: https://goo.gl/maps/HYnMQ1XvFvXBbQiV9

Maybe that is why EXIT 8C is closed.  From other street views, currently there is not a ramp leading from I-71 North to Kennedy--only a closed ramp from Kennedy to I-71 North.

EXIT 8C used to be signed for Ridge Ave North (8A was for Ridge Ave South), however, that loop ramp is also currently closed.  It will probably be demolished whenever the Kennedy ramp is constructed, I guess.

Obviously, a reconstructed ramp from Kennedy to I-71 North will be done as seen by how close the new EXIT 9 overhead sign was placed so close to the current ramp.
https://goo.gl/maps/FThxH9R5DSGoR98p8  I cannot see using the current ramp with the structure that close to the road surface.

It looks like EXIT 8C got removed permanently, as seen here on Ridge Ave: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1666885,-84.4232852,3a,75y,72.83h,83.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5cHtdL4MngvKHIKUEE16vA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: amroad17 on May 18, 2022, 03:21:07 AM
This appears to be the beginning to transform the area into a Kennedy off-ramp from I-71.

Maybe mods can include the entirety of I-71 in this thread since we are discussing an area 53 miles south of the "cut-off" point.  :nod:
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: dvferyance on May 18, 2022, 09:05:58 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on December 28, 2015, 07:15:50 PM
I was on 71 earlier this month and noticed that there are blue median mile markers every 0.2 miles from Columbus all the way to Cleveland, and in many cases the green ones on the shoulder side were gone. Are they phasing out the green ones?
Wisconsin is doing more of that. They got them now on I-94 the whole way between Milwaukee and Madison and on I-90/94 all the way to the Tomah split. Previously they only went as far as the Dells. They are everywhere in Tennessee as well. I think using these everywhere is a waste of money. They should only be used in the urban areas like they were before.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on May 18, 2022, 09:35:41 PM
On the topic of the blue mile markers, I wonder why the rest of the urban areas in the state only use 0.2 interval ones, instead of 0.1 like in Cincinnati?
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: wriddle082 on May 19, 2022, 02:31:52 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 18, 2022, 09:35:41 PM
On the topic of the blue mile markers, I wonder why the rest of the urban areas in the state only use 0.2 interval ones, instead of 0.1 like in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati was one of the first metros to even put up these blue mile markers, which I have seen in place as early as 1997, so they could be a little bit older than that.

Tennessee now appears to have these markers every 0.2 miles statewide on every interstate.  Possibly a few other state route freeways as well, but mostly the urban ones that have exit numbers and don't cross county lines (state route mile markers in TN reset at county lines).
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on July 06, 2022, 05:06:09 PM
2 images I took a week ago of the construction of a new ramp from Mason-Montgomery SB to I-71 SB (exit 19):
(https://i.imgur.com/TEZuPne.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5wNIHqq.jpg)


Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: thenetwork on July 06, 2022, 07:35:19 PM
^^  I think you posted on the wrong I-71 thread.  42 miles off...
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: dvferyance on July 06, 2022, 07:45:55 PM
Quote from: vtk on November 15, 2015, 03:48:01 AM
Lots of work in the median now for the widening project from OH 665 to Stringtown Road in Grove City. I imagine once that's done, the need for improvements at the 270 interchange will be felt even more strongly.
Is the proposed interchange at Hoover Rd still in the works?
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on July 06, 2022, 08:11:51 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on July 06, 2022, 07:35:19 PM
^^  I think you posted on the wrong I-71 thread.  42 miles off...
It's a niche topic, so I don't want to bump the other (dead) thread and just keep stuff about I-71 in Ohio in this one thread.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: vtk on August 02, 2022, 03:16:37 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on July 06, 2022, 07:45:55 PM
Quote from: vtk on November 15, 2015, 03:48:01 AM
Lots of work in the median now for the widening project from OH 665 to Stringtown Road in Grove City. I imagine once that's done, the need for improvements at the 270 interchange will be felt even more strongly.
Is the proposed interchange at Hoover Rd still in the works?

No such project is listed in MORPC's metro transportation plan, and I don't think I'd ever heard of such a proposal.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: SkyPesos on August 02, 2022, 05:05:13 PM
Quote from: vtk on August 02, 2022, 03:16:37 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on July 06, 2022, 07:45:55 PM
Quote from: vtk on November 15, 2015, 03:48:01 AM
Lots of work in the median now for the widening project from OH 665 to Stringtown Road in Grove City. I imagine once that's done, the need for improvements at the 270 interchange will be felt even more strongly.
Is the proposed interchange at Hoover Rd still in the works?

No such project is listed in MORPC's metro transportation plan, and I don't think I'd ever heard of such a proposal.
The only place I've seen mention a Hoover Rd interchange is Wikipedia's exit list with no source cited. Probably not a thing at all then.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread
Post by: SkyPesos on June 05, 2023, 01:40:56 AM
Drove on all of I-71 north of Cincy yesterday, and noticed that the 6 lane section south of Columbus has been extended to just south of the US 62/OH 3 interchange (about MM 92). Construction for widening is also going on south of there for the next several miles.

Note to OP: You can remove the mile marker limits from the thread title, now that the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley boards have been merged.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread (Ohio Mile 61 to Cleveland)
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 06, 2023, 10:22:31 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on June 05, 2023, 01:40:56 AM
Drove on all of I-71 north of Cincy yesterday, and noticed that the 6 lane section south of Columbus has been extended to just south of the US 62/OH 3 interchange (about MM 92). Construction for widening is also going on south of there for the next several miles.


Down to the Franklin/Pickaway County line.
ODOT's next goal is the Pickaway/Madison County line.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread
Post by: SkyPesos on June 07, 2023, 01:24:22 PM
Drove on I-71 south of Cincy today. Some things I noticed:

- The replaced enhanced mile markers on the 71/75 concurrency no longer have I-71 shields on them, only I-75.
- Surprisingly lots of trucks on this road south of the I-75 split, which I didn't experience in the past. My average speed here was lower than when I drove on I-70 in MO and I-65 north of Indy.
- Looks like there's a widening project going on south of KY exit 14. I wonder if this is the northern point the widening project would go, or would it be continued further north in the future.
Title: Re: Interstate 71 miscellany thread
Post by: iBallasticwolf2 on June 07, 2023, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on June 07, 2023, 01:24:22 PM
- Surprisingly lots of trucks on this road south of the I-75 split, which I didn't experience in the past. My average speed here was lower than when I drove on I-70 in MO and I-65 north of Indy.
- Looks like there's a widening project going on south of KY exit 14. I wonder if this is the northern point the widening project would go, or would it be continued further north in the future.

I drive I-71 between Louisville and Walton quite often. You are correct about the massive amount of trucks. It is usually ok but sometimes it causes issues because of the hills, since I-71 has absolutely no truck climbing lanes and only a very short 6 lane stretch at the Sparta Speedway.
The widening project between Exit 14 (KY 329) is part of iMove Kentucky. There are planned future widening projects (you can see it on the public KYTC 6 year highway plan) planned to go all the way up to Exit 28 (KY 153), although it will take a long time to get that far. There is also a planned project on I-71 in Boone and Gallatin County that includes widening and rebuilding I-71 at the nasty S curve just north of US 127, although I'm not sure of the specifics of it.