The city of Toledo announced Tuesday it would contribute up to $1 million toward the I-475/U.S. 23 interchange at Dorr Street.
City officials said this project serves as a corridor to new commerce and transportation. The money will come from Toledo's capital improvement fund.
Workers would implement a multilane roundabout interchange. Dorr will grow from two lanes to four, with a two-way left turn lane in the center between North Holland Sylvania and North McCord roads.
Estimated cost is $26 million. The local share is about half that sum and the Ohio Department of Transportation covers the remainder, said Mike Pniewski, chief deputy engineer.
Officials expect to issue contracts in August, 2019. They hope to finish work in the summer of 2021, Mr. Pniewski said.
“We're very pleased that the city is a partner with us on the Dorr Street interchange,” Mr. Pniewski said.
Springfield Township set up a tax increment financing district to help defray expenses, Mr. Pniewski said. The county engineer has dedicated about $4.37 million.
Doug Stephens, administrator for the city's division of engineering services, said he hopes it opens the area for better interstate access and less Dorr congestion.
"I think it's going to be a good benefit for the region. The city's going to get a reconstruction and widening of Dorr Street from the city limits back to Holland-Sylvania, so that's going to be a big positive for us,” Mr. Stephens said. “That's primarily what we're contributing for, is for that work that goes inside the city limits to reconstruct that roadway."
Dorr west of I-475 will have an 8-foot-wide paved shoulder and barrier curb. The eastern side will have a curb and gutter against the lanes. A sidewalk and tree lawn will sit on both sides of the road. Proposed work also includes noise wall construction.
Lucas County commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution establishing a joint cooperation agreement with the city. The county would invoice the city this year, holding funds in escrow until a state invoice in August, 2019.
Commissioner Pete Gerken described this project as a win-win situation for those involved. He praised the city administration for its investment toward growth.
“We don't think it's a sprawl issue. We think it's an economic development issue,” Mr. Gerken said.
Staff Writer Lauren Lindstrom contributed to this report.
Contact Ryan Dunn at: rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @RDunnBlade.
First Published June 19, 2018, 5:06 p.m.
