In a turn of events that beat the clock, the newly constructed interchange at State Route 32 and Bruce Lunsford Way has been opened to the public nearly a year in advance. Located in Brown County, the interchange addresses longstanding safety concerns at the dangerous intersection of SR 32 and Brooks-Malott Road in Mt. Orab.
The project originates from a mandate issued by Governor Mike DeWine, who directed the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to overhaul 150 intersections of dire need, one of them being ODOT’s District 9 Deputy Director, Mike Dombrowski told the Ohio Department of Transportation, "We are thrilled to announce the early completion of this vital project. This interchange will not only improve safety but also support local development and community services.” Besides enhancing safety, the project has the noble distinction of honoring the late Bruce Lunsford, whose tenure as Mt. Orab’s mayor is marked by his advocacy for the project's fruition.
The statistics that spurred such development could not be ignored. Within a decade, the previous juncture of SR 32 and Brooks-Malott Road witnessed 77 crashes, leading to six severe injuries and one fatality. Adjacent to it, another troublesome intersection at SR 32 and Bodman Road reported 31 crashes, resulting in 11 serious injuries. With the introduction of the diamond interchange, risky at-grade intersections stand shuttered, steering traffic into what promises to be a safer route.
Launched in July 2023, the construction was a $17.9 million undertaking by John R. Jurgensen Company. The interchange promises an expedited, unhindered commute between Mt. Orab and Cincinnati and stands as a testament to a state's commitment to the well-being of its community. According to Dombrowski, right-out access at Brooks-Malott Road will continue to be maintained for emergency vehicles to ensure uninterrupted access for emergencies.
