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Hamilton County (Sunday, June 9, 2024) – Beginning Monday, June 10, the new "SmartLane" on Interstate 275 West will be open to traffic during the morning commute, giving motorists an additional lane of travel in the median shoulder between the Loveland-Madeira Road and Reed Hartman Highway interchanges.
The SmartLane will be made available for use weekdays during the morning rush hours, from approximately 6 to 9 a.m. It is during these peak hours that staff in ODOT's Traffic Management Center will monitor traffic, and if traffic speeds fall below 55-mph, operators may open the SmartLane by changing the Digital Message Signs (DMS) and implementing a variable speed limit (VSL).
Here's how the SmartLane will operate:
- Lane indicators on the DMS will be used to alert motorists if the SmartLane is open (green arrow), closed (red "X") or starting to close (yellow "X").
- When the SmartLane is open during rush hours, the speed within this section of the interstate will be reduced to 55-mph.
- Operators will continue to monitor traffic speeds throughout the rush-hour period and further reduce the VSL as needed. Any additional speed limit reductions will be made in 10-mph increments with a minimum of 60 seconds (one minute) given between each change.
- During normal (non-rush) hours, the left shoulder will remain closed, and the posted speed limit of 65-mph will remain in effect.
By upgrading the inside shoulder and providing an additional lane for part-time use, the I-275 SmartLane will provide for capacity on the interstate's westbound lanes, thereby alleviating congestion and improving safety. The SmartLane can also be used during emergency situations, such as a crash, or scheduled construction and maintenance activities to facilitate traffic flow.
For additional information about the project, please visit ODOT's web site at: I-275 SmartLane | Ohio Department of Transportation.
 As seen in ODOT's Traffic Management Center, pictured are the digital message signs for the I-275 SmartLane operation and variable speed limit.
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For more information contact:
Kathleen Fuller, 513-933-6517
Liz Lyons, 513-933-6534
Know Before You Go!
For more detailed traffic information, and to get personalized traffic alerts for your commute, download the OHGO app or visit OHGO.com.
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