Any Way Around the Daily Traffic Jam? (Cincinnati, Dayton: construction, airport)

[Wilson513]

I have to run up to the airport tomorrow right at rush hour (arrive airport 5:45PM) and will be on a tight time table. Is there any magic route to get from northbound 75 (from Cincinnati) over to I-70 without sitting in that mess going by downtown Dayton?

Thanks

[wrightflyer]

Hmm, there really isn't a "best" route in this situation. It depends on where you want to get off I-75.

If you don't care about Butler and Warren Counties, I'd just run around Dayton on I-675 to I-70 east. It only has one construction point (a bridge being worked on near OH-48). It's down to two lanes (from three) at the bridge. Otherwise, the whole length of expressway is pretty good. It's only draw back? Going further east than what you may have wanted. It shouldn't add more than 30 minutes onto the drive.

Having sat on I-75 for 15 minutes only to move 3/4 mile, the construction zone sucks. Especially when there is an accident, which is every other day. The funny part is the traffic at evening rush tends to back up going into Dayton (why? I have no idea!) Of course, if you hit an accident on I-675 or I-70, it may make things difficult. I'd listen to either Newstalk 1290 AM 95.7 FM for traffic or Mix 107.7 FM. At least that way, you have a bit of a heads up to potential problems.

Now, if you want to avoid Butler and Warren County stretches of I-75, then that's another story.

[stdatwmu]

For what it's worth, they finished the main stretch thru downtown (but not the one further south near Moraine) and the past couple of times I've gone thru at rush hour... traffic was MUCH better than in years past.

[Wilson513]

Thanks and wish me luck!

W

[Crew Chief]

Wilson, I run up & down I-75 4-6X/day. There's not much I can add to the above posters. Drivers are pretty well used to the construction zone at West Carrollton (MM47) now, so it flows (barring a crash) pretty well. I-75NB's left lane splits off for about 1/2 mile and runs on the Southbound side. That might speed you along. Once you get North of the U.S. 35 construction area, it'll be a breeze. Move to either of the two left lanes once you get past the West Carrollton construction zone. The mess that used to be called "Malfunction Junction" is pretty much done and is three lanes all the way through to I-70. Both the Eastbound & Westbound I-70 ramps can be accessed from the right lanes (MM 61; clearly marked and much-improved lanes)

Have a good trip!