BUSINESS COMMUNITY EMBRACES INTERCHANGE CHANGES

(November 1, 2006) - Recent news from local transportation officials means relief is on the way for the thousands of motorists who use the US 23/I 475 interchange at Dussel Drive on the western border of Arrowhead Park. Those officials say the interchange improvement project is now Lucas County's highest priority transportation project.

The Arrowhead Park Association and businesses in the park have worked for years to secure approval of major improvements to the interchange, with the goal of relieving congestion at peak times.

The Interchange improvement involves replacing the current ramps with a half cloverleaf design, reducing left turns that slow traffic flows. The approaches to the interchange will be lengthened to allow slower vehicles like heavy trucks to keep up with faster traffic.

Longtime APA Board members say the project will mean important changes to the Dussel Drive business corridor as well. Current plans call for a 12 inch high curb made of stamped concrete to be placed in the median along much of Dussel. The curb will reduce the number of left turns out of and into businesses, preventing traffic accidents.

Current plans also call for widening Dussel enough to create one extra lane of travel, which will be used to improve traffic flow in both directions.

The first phase of construction could begin in 2008. Final completion of all planned elements of the projects is likely several years ago, with transportation officials continuing to revise project plans.

Arrowhead Park property owners remain supportive of state wishes to see private business sharing in the cost of the interchange improvement project. 90% of the project's overall cost will be covered by state and federal transportation funding.