By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green city officials are trying to sell the Wood County Commissioners on helping with the new I-75 interchange. But it remains to be seen if the commissioners are buying.
Mayor Richard Edwards explained the value of improving the I-75 interchange at Wooster Street, by making it safer and smoother for traffic. He mentioned the manufacturing businesses on the east side of I-75, and the large employers on the west side including BGSU, Wood County government and Wood County Hospital.
A traffic study in 2009 showed that 15,429 vehicles used the interchange daily.
“We’re seeing dramatic increases in traffic flow,” the mayor said.
The interchange ranks among the top in the state for being accident prone, according to the mayor. “It’s been a major point of concern,” so much that the state is chipping in some safety funding.
Design showing East Wooster plans including I-75 interchange.
Bowling Green is now looking at the county to help pay a share of the $5.1 million interchange. The Ohio Department of Transportation’s contribution of $1.7 million leaves the local portion at $3.4 million.
“I’m hoping very much you will consider working with us in some small but significant way,” Edwards said. Specifically, he would like to see the county chip in $750,000, though “obviously we would welcome more.”
But Wood County Commissioner Joel Kuhlman questioned how the county could rationalize helping Bowling Green with a bridge project.
“How does this affect everyone else in the county?” Kuhlman said. What would the county say to other communities with I-75 interchanges that may need help, he asked. “We have to report back to Perrysburg, we have to report back to North Baltimore, to Northwood.”
The mayor responded saying that Bowling Green is the capital city of Wood County, with the county’s largest employers. “Admittedly I’m biased, but these are facts.”
During annual meetings with industry leaders, traffic backups are often mentioned as a concern, the mayor said. And the two roundabouts proposed at the southbound and northbound interchanges would make the bridge much safer, Edwards said.
Wood County Commissioner Craig LaHote noted that the county has helped with projects at the Crossroads development and the Buck Road roundabout.
Kuhlman questioned the frequency of traffic backups at the current I-75 interchange. “How does this actually impact economic development?” he asked.
Edwards said the potential for economic growth on the east side of I-75 is enormous. “Any enhancements will stimulate economic development there.”
Bowling Green Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter also pointed out that the new interchange design will take pedestrian traffic into consideration.
Kuhlman also asked if Bowling Green State University is helping foot the bill for the interchange, since events on campus often lead to the most traffic there.
“We know so many university events contribute to the traffic volume there,” Edwards said. BGSU jointly funded the study on the East Wooster Street corridor, and will likely help with that project. However, the university has declined to help with the interchange, the mayor said.
“They are more interested in a new entryway to campus. I’m personally hopeful they will be able to do something down the line,” Edwards said.
The county commissioners said they would discuss the city’s request.
“You certainly have given us lots to think about,” Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said.
