10-26-2026 4:12pm

Could Northern Warren County See a New Connection Between I-75 and I-71? Residents Invited to Weigh In

Beth Callahan Editor

Map is from The North Warren County Transportation plan website. It focuses on the northern half of Warren County, Ohio which includes the communities mapped and listed in the story.

WARREN COUNTY, OH — As northern Warren County continues to grow, so does the need for roads that can safely and efficiently handle increasing traffic. Now, transportation planners are studying the possibility of new connections between Interstate 75 and Interstate 71, along with other roadway improvements that could shape how residents travel throughout the county for decades to come.

Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the North Warren County Transportation Plan and share their concerns during a public open house Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Warren County Career Center, 3525 State Route 48 in Lebanon.

The meeting is part of Phase 1 of a transportation planning effort designed to examine existing road conditions, identify future transportation needs and explore possible solutions for one of the region's growing areas.

While the possibility of improved connections between I-75 and I-71 is a major component of the discussion, the study goes beyond simply connecting two interstate highways.

Transportation planners will also examine traffic patterns, roadway safety, population growth, employment trends, land use and public transit options to determine where improvements may be needed.

The planning effort involves Warren County, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments.

Growth Brings Transportation Challenges

For residents who regularly travel between communities such as Carlisle, Franklin, Springboro, Lebanon and other parts of northern Warren County, the study raises questions about how the region's transportation network will accommodate future growth.

New residential developments, expanding businesses and increased traffic can place additional demands on roads originally designed to serve smaller populations.

An improved east-west transportation network could offer opportunities to address some of those challenges. However, any proposal for a new roadway also raises questions about its potential effect on existing neighborhoods, farmland, private property and the character of surrounding communities.

At this stage, the transportation plan is a study, not an announcement that a new highway has been approved or construction scheduled.

Residents Have an Opportunity to Be Heard

One of the primary goals of the planning process is to gather public input before future transportation recommendations are developed.

Residents may want to ask whether new roadway corridors are being considered, how existing roads could be improved and what factors will determine which projects move forward.

For property owners within the study area, understanding the planning process may be particularly important as possible transportation corridors are evaluated.

The open house offers an opportunity for residents, business owners and other interested individuals to learn about the study and provide feedback on what they believe the region's transportation priorities should be.

Open House Information

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Warren County Career Center, 3525 State Route 48, Lebanon
Purpose: Learn about possible I-75-to-I-71 connections, roadway improvements and the North Warren County Transportation Plan.

The study includes the following communities:

Cities

Carlisle
Franklin
Lebanon
Middletown
Monroe
Springboro

Villages

Waynesville
Harveysburg

Townships

Clearcreek
Franklin
Massie
Turtlecreek
Washington
Wayne

Residents can review additional information about the study, including maps and planning materials, at the North Warren County Transportation Plan website.

Although no specific new roadway is being presented here as an approved project, the planning process offers residents an opportunity to have a voice in discussions that could influence how northern Warren County develops and travels in the future.