Wayne Township Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed I-75/I-71 Connector

WAYNE TOWNSHIP, WARREN COUNTY, OH — Concerns over property rights, environmental impacts and the future of rural communities dominated a discussion about possible new highway connections between Interstate 75 and Interstate 71 during the Nov. 3 Wayne Township Board of Trustees meeting.

Warren County Engineer Kurt Weber attended the meeting to explain the North Warren County Transportation Plan and answer questions from residents concerned about potential routes through Wayne Township and the Waynesville area.

The transportation study, which began in April, includes six possible east-west roadway concepts — two northern, two central and two southern alternatives. To see the options visit: https://northwarrencountytransportationplan-burgessniple.hub.arcgis.com/pages/public-open-house

Weber repeatedly emphasized that the proposed routes are preliminary and that no final decisions have been made.

"These are ideas and concepts at this juncture. Nothing's set in stone," Weber told residents.

He also acknowledged that a no-build option remains under consideration.

Residents Question Impact on Property and Scenic River

One resident challenged the description of new roads as improvements, arguing that taking private property to accommodate additional traffic would not improve the quality of life for township residents.

Weber acknowledged the concern, explaining that expanding existing roads might make more sense than constructing entirely new routes requiring additional property.

Other residents questioned the potential impact of a new highway crossing the Little Miami River, which carries state and federal scenic river designations.

Weber explained that any proposed crossing would require environmental studies and could involve substantial construction expenses.

The discussion also raised concerns about whether a new connection would actually reduce truck traffic through Lebanon, one of the reasons officials are studying additional east-west routes. 

One resident raised concerns about how public opinion would be evaluated, pointing out that Wayne Township has a smaller population than Lebanon.

The woman, who said she previously lived near State Route 350 and understood Lebanon's traffic problems, questioned whether township residents' objections would carry the same weight as those from a larger community.

She asked whether officials would consider the percentage of residents opposed to a proposed route rather than simply counting the number of comments received.

The question highlighted a concern among residents: Whether addressing traffic congestion in a larger community could come at the expense of a smaller, rural township.

Weber acknowledged her concerns but did not specify whether public comments would be weighted according to community population. He did explain that State Route 63 through Lebanon provides a direct connection for trucks traveling between I-75 and I-71.

However, residents questioned whether diverting that traffic north would simply transfer congestion and development pressures into Wayne Township.

No Funding or Construction Timeline

Although the possible routes have generated considerable attention, Weber stressed that the project remains in its earliest planning stages.

He said no construction funding has been identified and acknowledged that any eventual improvements could be decades away — or might never happen.

Phase 1 of the transportation study is expected to conclude in July 2027. Concepts recommended for further consideration would advance to a second phase of more detailed evaluation. Those evaluations would consider costs, traffic benefits, environmental concerns and public feedback.

Weber reported that approximately 100 people attended the Oct. 28 public open house and that the study team had already received about 480 responses and comments by the Nov. 3 meeting.

He encouraged residents to continue submitting comments, assuring them that public input would be considered as the study progresses.

For residents concerned about the future of their properties and communities, Weber's central message was that the proposed routes are possibilities — not approved projects.

Residents can learn more about the North Warren County Transportation Plan by visiting the  Warren County Engineer's Office website at https://engineer.warrencountyohio.gov/. Also, according to the website, the online survey, which can be reached by the link below, is open through November 23, 2026. North Warren County Transportation Plan

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