Miami Student

Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Community

As a result of the construction along U.S. Route 27, members of the Oxford community have expressed complaints about navigating the roadway.

While Oxford residents and Miami University students agree that the U.S. Route 27 construction will be good for the city when completed, many people are frustrated with the traffic problems caused by road closures.

Miami sophomore Matt Price, who lives at Church and Elm streets, said the construction blocks off all of the streets he needs to use.

"When I have to go to Kroger, it's a hassle," Price said. "I can't use Church Street very well."

Miami junior Mike Kula agrees that the construction has been a bit of a hindrance to his routine.

"The speed limit on Church (Street) has gone from 35 (miles per hour) to 25 (miles per hour), making the drive to Wal-Mart a bit longer," Kula said.

Both agree that while construction has provided some roadblocks now, it will be good in the end.

"It's going to be really nice when it's done, but it's horrible right now," Price said. "I know it will be better in the future."

Kula said he understands that there have to be benefits to the construction or else the city would not be doing it.

In addition to students affected by construction, the Oxford Fire Department (OFD) has had to work to change their driving routes.

OFD chief Len Endress said that the construction has caused the fire department to rethink some of their responses and call in mutual aid to other fire departments on occasion.

Endress said that there have been times during construction when the OFD has had to change their route when responding to a call.

"With some delays it has been quicker to go alternate ways than trying to maneuver through College Corner Pike areas," Endress said.

However, Endress said the construction workers halting and slowing traffic have been very good at stopping traffic and clearing the way for emergency vehicles when necessary.

In addition, Endress said the city has been very good about alerting the OFD to road closings and alternate routes. He said the Oxford city engineer has helped make sure fire hydrants located along U.S. Route 27 have remained accessible.

"The foreman for the construction company has called a number of times to let us know what areas will be closed," he said.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools