From Proposal to Pavement: Warren County Engineer Explains How Transportation Projects Move Forward

WARREN COUNTY, OH — With six potential east-west roadway connections between Interstate 75 and Interstate 71 under consideration, Warren County Engineer Kurt Weber wants residents to understand that identifying a possible route is only the beginning of a lengthy transportation planning process.

During the Nov. 3 Wayne Township Board of Trustees meeting, Weber explained how the North Warren County Transportation Plan will be evaluated, what role public input plays and why a proposed road could take decades to become reality.

Phase 1: Evaluating the Possibilities

The first phase of the study began in April 2026 and is expected to conclude in July 2027. Weber explained that the study is examining six possible east-west roadway concepts — two northern, two central and two southern alternatives.

However, the study is not limited to constructing new roads. Officials are also examining existing intersections, north-south connections, roadway safety and possible improvements to current routes.

Building no new roads also remains an option.

During this phase, transportation planners will consider several factors, including:

• Public comments and concerns.
• Potential construction costs.
• Traffic patterns and projected growth.
• Whether proposed roads would actually reduce congestion.
• Environmental impacts.
• Effects on existing roads and private property.

Weber explained that traffic modeling will help determine whether a proposed connection would divert vehicles from existing routes, including state Routes 73 and 122. The study will also examine whether the potential benefits justify the costs.

Phase 2: A Closer Examination

When Phase 1 concludes, officials will determine whether any of the proposed concepts warrant further study. Those that do not meet the necessary criteria could be eliminated.

Alternatives recommended for further consideration would move into Phase 2, which Weber estimated could require approximately another year of study.

He emphasized that advancing to Phase 2 would not constitute approval for construction.

Weber also acknowledged that funding for the second phase had not been finalized at the time of the meeting.

Who Makes the Decisions?

Weber explained that the planning effort involves several organizations, including the Warren County Engineer's Office, Warren County Transportation Improvement District, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments and Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Engineering consulting firm Burgess & Niple is assisting with the study.

The regional planning organizations would play a role in reviewing and approving transportation recommendations before projects could potentially qualify for federal transportation funding.

Even then, additional steps would be necessary before construction could begin.

Finding the Money

One of the biggest obstacles could be financing. Weber told residents that no construction funding has been identified for the proposed east-west connections.

He explained that previous transportation improvements in southern Warren County benefited from local funding sources that helped secure additional state and federal dollars.

Similar funding sources may not be available in northern Warren County.

Without an identified source of funding, Weber acknowledged that a recommended project could remain on the drawing board indefinitely.

He estimated that construction might occur 10, 30 or even 50 years in the future — or never happen.

What Happens Next?

Public feedback will be considered along with engineering evaluations as officials determine which concepts, if any, should advance.

Weber said additional public involvement opportunities will be scheduled as the study progresses.

For now, the six proposed east-west connections remain preliminary concepts, and the county has not selected a preferred route.

Residents can review information about the study through the Warren County Engineer's Office.

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