Council approves Gateway Interchange Beautification

Interchange rendering (may not be final plan)

After many years of discussion, hesitation, and finally, agreement, the City Council at the December 4, 2023 meeting voted to move forward with the Main St./I75 Gateway Interchange Project. Council had, several years ago, favored a design featuring a landscaping of bricks and plantings.

Council then worked with and paid KZF Design of Cincinnati to design the interchange, including landscape architecture, engineering, soil boring, and other services. The final design included brick pavers, low-maintenance plantings, and signs. The plan was then submitted and approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). A separate project will be needed to paint the overpass bridge and install any needed fencing.

At the December 4 meeting, Council authorized the City Manager to sign a contract with Double Jay Construction of Englewood, Ohio to construct the final design on all four corners of the interchange, making it attractive for travelers driving on either north or south I-75 and Tipp residents driving on 571/Main Street.

Council had considered two bids and selected Double Jay Construction, who submitted the lowest and best responsible bid of $688,280. Both bids came in under the engineer’s estimate of $979,000.00 for this project.