The new ramps from I-75 to Dixie Drive are now open, as well as the new Dixie Drive street alignment under I-75.

Complete General Construction contractors recently placed the final course of asphalt, installed guardrail and installed the traffic signals, allowing ramps to reopen over the weekend.

As a result, both eastbound and westbound Dixie Drive traffic can access both northbound and southbound I-75. “This is an exciting time for many residents and business owners in our community,” said Jeff Sanner, Mayor.

A traffic pattern switch remains on I-75, involving reconstruction of the interior half of the I-75 southbound lanes.

“With traffic switched to the exterior half of southbound I-75, bridge crews are working on the southbound I-75 structures over Dixie Drive and Hole’s Creek,” said Mandi Abner, ODOT public information officer. 

The work includes removal of the existing approach slabs and portions of some of the bridges. The new overlays on the bridge decks, and painting of the rail road bridge is expected to occur in August.

The last phases of the construction project involve the reconstruction of the new Manchester Road and the new configuration of eastbound Dixie Drive near Dryden Road. The entire roadway will be resurfaced with a final layer of asphalt and striping.

A ribbon cutting to celebrate the project’s completion will be held later this fall.

In summer of 2013, the area around the exit will receive new landscaping and signage. The city worked with EMH&T Engineers, Scientists, Planners & Scientists, on a new landscape design plan for the area.

-end-

For more information, call Mandi Abner, ODOT public information officer, at (937) 497-6820. Call Jeff Sanner, Mayor, or Brad Townsend, City Manager, at (937) 859-5181.