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83-474: Established in 1921, the airfield was one of the first in operation in the United States, and it became Ohio's first municipal airport when Cincinnati purchased it in 1946. For decades, it was eyed as a potential future site for Cincinnati's primary commercial airport, spurring construction of Cross County Highway , but efforts to develop the site repeatedly failed. In the 1970s, much of the property around

166-588: A Queensgate location. Instead, Northern Kentucky officials again won out over their Ohio counterparts, securing a new facility in downtown Covington . The older southeastern half of the airport was closed in September 1963, with the newer northwestern half remaining in use. With the Blue Ash Airport destined to remain a quaint general aviation facility, the City of Cincinnati began to seek other uses for

249-572: A 5-mile-long (8.0 km) connector from the Mill Creek Expressway ( Interstate 75 ) to the airport. However, the Blue Ash Civic League and nearby residents continued to oppose the expansion plans. Blue Ash incorporated, first as a village in 1955, then as a city in 1961, to take control of zoning matters and contain the airfield. By 1959, the county dropped plans for an airport connector and instead focused on building

332-601: A complex junction with Interstate 75 in Cincinnati's Roselawn and Hartwell neighborhoods: southbound I-75 traffic must take Galbraith Road through Arlington Heights and Reading to access Ronald Reagan Highway, and westbound Ronald Reagan traffic must use the same route to reach northbound I-75. The short, easternmost stretch from Interstate 71 to Montgomery Road is a limited-access road , with I-71 ramps forming signalized intersections with Ronald Reagan Highway. Ronald Reagan Highway's abrupt end at Montgomery Road

415-687: A further $ 19 million. At the time, these extensions were the most expensive highway project in state history. The project entailed rechanneling part of Mill Creek and building 18 bridges as well as several retaining walls and sound barriers. The right-of-way extended through the north end of the Hamilton County Fairgrounds , forcing the race track's relocation. Under the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act , portions of previously secured right of way were designated as wetland, forcing

498-519: A further $ 19 million. At the time, these extensions were the most expensive highway project in state history. The project entailed rechanneling part of Mill Creek and building 18 bridges as well as several retaining walls and sound barriers. The right-of-way extended through the north end of the Hamilton County Fairgrounds , forcing the race track's relocation. Under the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act , portions of previously secured right of way were designated as wetland, forcing

581-466: A junction with State Route 128 . The highway's oldest 3.7 miles (6.0 km) were upgraded to modern freeway standards from spring 2000 to summer 2001 for $ 17.6 million. In addition to repaving the highway, ODOT replaced the center guardrail with a Jersey barrier , replaced curbs with wide shoulders, lengthened on- and off-ramps, and installed new overhead guide signage. West Side communities have seen significantly increased commercial development since

664-466: A junction with State Route 128 . The highway's oldest 3.7 miles (6.0 km) were upgraded to modern freeway standards from spring 2000 to summer 2001 for $ 17.6 million. In addition to repaving the highway, ODOT replaced the center guardrail with a Jersey barrier , replaced curbs with wide shoulders, lengthened on- and off-ramps, and installed new overhead guide signage. West Side communities have seen significantly increased commercial development since

747-422: A major cemetery. In the meantime, the disconnected western segment saw virtually no traffic, encouraging a significant amount of graffiti on bridges and sound barriers. From 1986 to 1990, Cross County was extended from Vine Street ( State Route 4 ) east to Interstate 75 and East Galbraith Road for $ 47.7 million. A second phase, completed in 1993, took the highway from Vine Street west to West Galbraith Road for

830-422: A major cemetery. In the meantime, the disconnected western segment saw virtually no traffic, encouraging a significant amount of graffiti on bridges and sound barriers. From 1986 to 1990, Cross County was extended from Vine Street ( State Route 4 ) east to Interstate 75 and East Galbraith Road for $ 47.7 million. A second phase, completed in 1993, took the highway from Vine Street west to West Galbraith Road for

913-592: A more ambitious Cross County Highway . In 1960, the Internal Revenue Service selected the Cincinnati area for a new, five-state regional data center, prompting many area cities and townships to vie for the facility and its employees' income tax revenue. The following year, Blue Ash proposed to have Cincinnati donate part of the Blue Ash Airport site to the IRS, calling hopes for a major airport there "obsolete". For its part, Cincinnati had been pushing for

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996-569: A resolution of consent, in an effort to preserve the wealthy village's undeveloped greenbelt. The highway's abrupt end in Montgomery contributed to a significant increase in traffic to that city: by 1978, Montgomery Road carried an estimated 18,000 cars per day. In 1984, Montgomery city officials unsuccessfully asked the county to either extend the highway east through Indian Hill or truncate it at Interstate 71. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) straight-line diagrams continue to indicate

1079-443: A right triangle. The runway, which was not sold to Blue Ash, was restricted to aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds (5,700 kg). For the 12-month period ending January 30, 2006, the airport had 35,000 aircraft operations, an average of 95 per day: 97% general aviation , 2% air taxi and 1% military . There were 136 aircraft based at this airport: 88% single-engine and 11% multi-engine airplanes and 1% helicopter . Under

1162-729: Is a west-east freeway in Hamilton County, Ohio , United States. It stretches 16.4 miles (26.4 km) from southern Colerain Township to Montgomery , connecting many of Cincinnati 's northern suburbs to Interstate 71 and Interstate 75 . State Route 126 is routed over most of the highway, while the remainder is a county-maintained road . Cross County Highway was built by Hamilton County in seven stages from 1958 to 1997, costing $ 144 million. Highway revolts in Indian Hill and Crosby Township prevented it from crossing

1245-504: Is being converted to a turbo roundabout . State Route 126 continues north- and eastward on Montgomery Road through Montgomery and Indian Hill . A redwood sign commemorating the dedication of Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway by former First Lady Nancy Reagan stands at the highway's eastern terminus in the Montgomery Heritage District. The majority of Ronald Reagan Highway, between Interstates 275 and 71,

1328-433: Is in Hamilton County . Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway , formerly and locally known as Cross County Highway , is a west-east freeway in Hamilton County, Ohio , United States. It stretches 16.4 miles (26.4 km) from southern Colerain Township to Montgomery , connecting many of Cincinnati 's northern suburbs to Interstate 71 and Interstate 75 . State Route 126

1411-531: Is included in the National Highway System (NHS). The NHS is a network of highways that are identified as being most important for the economy, mobility, and defense of the nation. The entirety of Ronald Reagan Highway has two lanes in each direction, with speed limits ranging from 50 to 60 miles per hour (80 to 95 km/h). ODOT's State Farm Safety Patrol vans provide assistance to stranded motorists along Cincinnati-area highways, including

1494-471: Is instrumented with over 640 sensors to serve as a field laboratory for University of Cincinnati researchers and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) bridge engineers. Ronald Reagan Highway has a complex junction with Interstate 75 in Cincinnati's Roselawn and Hartwell neighborhoods: southbound I-75 traffic must take Galbraith Road through Arlington Heights and Reading to access Ronald Reagan Highway, and westbound Ronald Reagan traffic must use

1577-441: Is routed over most of the highway, while the remainder is a county-maintained road . Cross County Highway was built by Hamilton County in seven stages from 1958 to 1997, costing $ 144 million. Highway revolts in Indian Hill and Crosby Township prevented it from crossing the entire county. On March 17, 1993, it became the first highway to be named after former U.S. President Ronald Reagan . Most of Ronald Reagan Highway

1660-544: The Blue Ash Airport , which was expected to become Cincinnati's metropolitan commercial airport. In 1950, the concept was upgraded to an expressway; five years later, it grew into a 22-mile-long (35 km) lateral that would span the proposed Circumferential Highway ( Interstate 275 ). The project, originally estimated at $ 30 million, was intended to connect the east and west sides of town and relieve congestion on Galbraith Road (State Route 126). In 1959, amid

1743-701: The Bureau of Public Roads to add the planned route of Cross County Highway to the Interstate Highway System . However, the designation of the Circle Freeway as Interstate 275 the previous fall meant that no additional Interstate mileage could be allocated to the state. The county's master plan, released the following year, envisioned major junctions at the Circle Freeway and Blue Rock Road; a U.S. 27 Expressway paralleling Colerain Avenue that

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1826-510: The Enquirer to suggest Sabin, Lyons, Paul Brown , or Ted Berry . The county raised nearly $ 15,000 in private donations to install "Reagan Highway" signage. The former President's daughter, Maureen Reagan , dedicated the newly extended highway on September 13, 1994. Construction on the final 4.4-mile (7.1 km), $ 39.5 million segment began in October 1994 and completed in 1997. With

1909-400: The Enquirer to suggest Sabin, Lyons, Paul Brown , or Ted Berry . The county raised nearly $ 15,000 in private donations to install "Reagan Highway" signage. The former President's daughter, Maureen Reagan , dedicated the newly extended highway on September 13, 1994. Construction on the final 4.4-mile (7.1 km), $ 39.5 million segment began in October 1994 and completed in 1997. With

1992-510: The Interstate Highway System . However, the designation of the Circle Freeway as Interstate 275 the previous fall meant that no additional Interstate mileage could be allocated to the state. The county's master plan, released the following year, envisioned major junctions at the Circle Freeway and Blue Rock Road; a U.S. 27 Expressway paralleling Colerain Avenue that was never built; the Mill Creek Expressway (Interstate 75); and

2075-478: The Northeast Expressway ( Interstate 71 ). Cross County Highway would have bypassed downtown Montgomery, extending eastward from Montgomery Road to connect with Remington Road halfway to Remington , thus providing better connectivity with Loveland and Milford . However, this easternmost segment was abandoned after Indian Hill refused to pass a resolution of consent, in an effort to preserve

2158-512: The President's name alongside the shield. Ronald Reagan Highway also became part of the regional ARTIMIS traffic management system in 1997. In October 1998, Brayshaw formally requested that ODOT extend Ronald Reagan Highway westward through rural Crosby Township over Blue Rock Road and New Haven Road, to connect the highway to Interstate 74 in Harrison . The roads would be improved in

2241-400: The President's name alongside the shield. Ronald Reagan Highway also became part of the regional ARTIMIS traffic management system in 1997. In October 1998, Brayshaw formally requested that ODOT extend Ronald Reagan Highway westward through rural Crosby Township over Blue Rock Road and New Haven Road, to connect the highway to Interstate 74 in Harrison . The roads would be improved in

2324-507: The Watsons, the airport was a scheduled stop for Universal Air Lines . Decades later, air charter service Schmidt Aviation flew scheduled flights between Blue Ash Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport . From 1997 to 2009, Blue Ash Airport hosted an annual air show known as Blue Ash Airport Days. This show was usually held in September and featured aerobatic performers, helicopter tours, and numerous static displays. The airport

2407-416: The airfield was converted into an industrial park and golf course . Cincinnati eventually sold about half of the remaining airfield to the City of Blue Ash and permanently closed the facility on August 29, 2012, despite local efforts to keep it operational. In 2017, Cincinnati sold the remaining land and runway to Al Neyer, which is building a mixed-use development on the site. Although most U.S. airports use

2490-645: The airfield's grass runways served general aviation, airmail operations, and the 359th Army Reserve Observation Squadron. In 1925, the Grisard Company dissolved and moved its hangars and equipment to Lunken Field , then considered a more desirable location for its proximity to downtown Cincinnati. The reserve squadron moved there as well. Grisard Field was sold to the Watson brothers, who rededicated it as Watson Airport , with Eddie Rickenbacker in attendance. Hugh later moved to Lunken, leaving Parks in charge of

2573-564: The airport itself, pointing out that the FAA had declined to finance the reconfiguration on several occasions and the runway was "at the end of its useful life". Amid declining airport revenues, the City of Cincinnati closed Blue Ash Airport permanently at noon on August 29, 2012, after 91 years of continuous service. Many planes were moved to more modern facilities at Lebanon-Warren County Airport , and Cincinnati West Airport also saw increased demand. That fall, Blue Ash opened phase I of Summit Park on

Cincinnati–Blue Ash Airport - Misplaced Pages Continue

2656-675: The airport was closed in 2012. The bomber was shrink-wrapped and sent to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans in August 2012. The City of Cincinnati owns one other property outside its corporation limits: Blue Ash Air Station is located 1 ⁄ 2 mile (0.80 km) to the north of the former Blue Ash Airport. Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway , formerly and locally known as Cross County Highway ,

2739-494: The airport. In 2006, after years of negotiations, the City of Blue Ash purchased 128 acres (52 ha) of the airfield, including all the hangars and taxiways, from the City of Cincinnati for $ 37.5 million over 30 years. Because the Federal Aviation Administration had been subsidizing airport maintenance, Cincinnati was originally required to spend all proceeds towards aviation-related expenses, but

2822-483: The airport. After a year at Lunken, he returned to Blue Ash and built his own facility on the northern edge of the property, along Glendale Milford Road. By 1928, airlines were making scheduled flights to Cleveland and Louisville, Kentucky , from Watson. In 1938, after a major flood submerged Lunken Airport, Cincinnati city leaders began discussing a major expansion of the Blue Ash site in order to replace Lunken as

2905-589: The area's commercial airport. By this time, Watson was used primarily for training student pilots from local universities . The city purchased Parks Watson Airport in 1946 and Hugh Watson Field in 1955. The city headquartered Blue Ash Airport at the former Hugh Watson Field, keeping Parks Watson open for a time, and closed a shooting range that had operated on the property since the 1940s. The city's Blue Ash development plans were hampered by community opposition, three failed Hamilton County bond measures, political infighting, and Cincinnati's decision not to participate in

2988-520: The city had hoped to use $ 11 million for the construction of a revived streetcar system now known as the Cincinnati Bell Connector . COAST, an anti-streetcar interest group, opposed the use of airport funds for the streetcar. Residents of some Cincinnati neighborhoods were also upset that Mayor Mark Mallory had promised to disburse the same funds to neighborhood councils during his 2005 campaign against David Pepper . Nevertheless,

3071-634: The community of Groesbeck . This westernmost portion is designated as County Road 453; however, signs indicate this stretch solely by its name. From Groesbeck, the highway carries State Route 126 along a path roughly parallel to the Norwood Lateral, State Route 562 , to a junction with Montgomery Road ( U.S. Route 22 / State Route 3 ) in Montgomery . A girder bridge over Hamilton Avenue ( U.S. Route 127 ) in North College Hill

3154-407: The county to secure additional land for environmental mitigation . On December 16, 1992, an all- Republican Board of County Commissioners, led by Commissioner John Dowlin, proposed naming Cross County Highway after Ronald Reagan , citing his strong showing in the county in the 1980 and 1984 presidential elections. Albert Sabin , the Cincinnati medical researcher, had also been considered for

3237-407: The county to secure additional land for environmental mitigation . On December 16, 1992, an all- Republican Board of County Commissioners, led by Commissioner John Dowlin, proposed naming Cross County Highway after Ronald Reagan , citing his strong showing in the county in the 1980 and 1984 presidential elections. Albert Sabin , the Cincinnati medical researcher, had also been considered for

3320-415: The dedication of Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway by former First Lady Nancy Reagan stands at the highway's eastern terminus in the Montgomery Heritage District. The majority of Ronald Reagan Highway, between Interstates 275 and 71, is included in the National Highway System (NHS). The NHS is a network of highways that are identified as being most important for the economy, mobility, and defense of

3403-477: The entire county. On March 17, 1993, it became the first highway to be named after former U.S. President Ronald Reagan . Most of Ronald Reagan Highway was transferred to the state highway system in 1997. Ronald Reagan Highway begins as a 2.3-mile-long (3.7 km) county-maintained highway in Colerain Township , from Interstate 275 to Colerain Avenue ( U.S. Route 27 / State Route 126 ) in

Cincinnati–Blue Ash Airport - Misplaced Pages Continue

3486-405: The entire interchange into a turbo roundabout . Instead, traffic signals were added to the intersection in 2018. In July 2020, the trumpet interchange and stub ramp at Montgomery Road were demolished, to be replaced with a two-lane turbo roundabout by June 2021 as part of an $ 8 million reconstruction project. The City of Montgomery plans to convert a 21-acre (8.5 ha) site abutting

3569-405: The entire interchange into a turbo roundabout . Instead, traffic signals were added to the intersection in 2018. In July 2020, the trumpet interchange and stub ramp at Montgomery Road were demolished, to be replaced with a two-lane turbo roundabout by June 2021 as part of an $ 8 million reconstruction project. The City of Montgomery plans to convert a 21-acre (8.5 ha) site abutting

3652-440: The entirety of Ronald Reagan Highway, on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Most guide signs for the highway's entrance ramps bear the name Ronald Reagan Highway, sometimes abbreviated Reagan Highway, rather than control cities . However, signs at the ramps from Interstate 71 onto Ronald Reagan Highway indicate Blue Ash as the westbound destination and Montgomery as the eastbound destination. Cross County Highway

3735-447: The federal airfield program. While fog and flooding continued to cause frequent problems at Lunken, Northern Kentucky officials secured federal funds to build a competing airport at Hebron , in 1944. The Greater Cincinnati Airport (CVG) began serving commercial flights there two years later. Cincinnati officials maintained expansion plans for the Blue Ash site into the 1960s, hoping to compete with CVG. County officials drew up plans for

3818-482: The highway carries State Route 126 along a path roughly parallel to the Norwood Lateral, State Route 562 , to a junction with Montgomery Road ( U.S. Route 22 / State Route 3 ) in Montgomery . A girder bridge over Hamilton Avenue ( U.S. Route 127 ) in North College Hill is instrumented with over 640 sensors to serve as a field laboratory for University of Cincinnati researchers and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) bridge engineers. Ronald Reagan Highway has

3901-462: The highway was extended from Ridge Road 2.7 miles (4.3 km) east to Kenwood Road for $ 2.9 million. Then, in 1968, it was extended 0.7 miles (1.1 km) further east to Montgomery Road, through the back nine holes of the Swaim Fields golf course, for $ 1.8 million. In 1963, Hamilton County commissioners asked the Bureau of Public Roads to add the planned route of Cross County Highway to

3984-474: The highway's completion, attributed in part to decreased congestion on surface streets. Originally, Ronald Reagan Highway had an unsignalized, at-grade intersection at the Interstate 71 interchange, requiring traffic from southbound I-71 to cross continuous westbound lanes of Ronald Reagan Highway and merge into continuous eastbound lanes of that highway. In 2017, Montgomery city officials proposed turning

4067-416: The highway's completion, attributed in part to decreased congestion on surface streets. Originally, Ronald Reagan Highway had an unsignalized, at-grade intersection at the Interstate 71 interchange, requiring traffic from southbound I-71 to cross continuous westbound lanes of Ronald Reagan Highway and merge into continuous eastbound lanes of that highway. In 2017, Montgomery city officials proposed turning

4150-418: The highway's completion, travel time across the county dropped from 40 minutes to 17. In recognition of County Engineer William Brayshaw's career-long work on the highway since the late 1950s, Hamilton County Commissioners temporarily renamed the highway in his honor for one day, November 5, 1997. On October 28, 1997, ODOT took over the highway, except for the segment west of Colerain Avenue. State Route 126

4233-418: The highway's completion, travel time across the county dropped from 40 minutes to 17. In recognition of County Engineer William Brayshaw's career-long work on the highway since the late 1950s, Hamilton County Commissioners temporarily renamed the highway in his honor for one day, November 5, 1997. On October 28, 1997, ODOT took over the highway, except for the segment west of Colerain Avenue. State Route 126

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4316-543: The honor. Reagan wrote to the Cincinnati Enquirer , thanking the county for its gesture and recounting his visit to a Ronald Reagan Pub in the Irish village of Ballyporeen : … Don't get me wrong: I'm very proud of that pub, and I know what an honor it is. But I must admit when I thought of something being named after me, I was thinking more along the lines of a building or a highway! I'm honored and touched by

4399-422: The honor. Reagan wrote to the Cincinnati Enquirer , thanking the county for its gesture and recounting his visit to a Ronald Reagan Pub in the Irish village of Ballyporeen : … Don't get me wrong: I'm very proud of that pub, and I know what an honor it is. But I must admit when I thought of something being named after me, I was thinking more along the lines of a building or a highway! I'm honored and touched by

4482-414: The name Ronald Reagan Highway, sometimes abbreviated Reagan Highway, rather than control cities . However, signs at the ramps from Interstate 71 onto Ronald Reagan Highway indicate Blue Ash as the westbound destination and Montgomery as the eastbound destination. Cross County Highway was conceived in the 1940s as a 5-mile-long (8.0 km) connector from the Mill Creek Expressway ( Interstate 75 ) to

4565-431: The nation. The entirety of Ronald Reagan Highway has two lanes in each direction, with speed limits ranging from 50 to 60 miles per hour (80 to 95 km/h). ODOT's State Farm Safety Patrol vans provide assistance to stranded motorists along Cincinnati-area highways, including the entirety of Ronald Reagan Highway, on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Most guide signs for the highway's entrance ramps bear

4648-473: The news and pleased to be associated with the city of Cincinnati. Thank you all. The board officially renamed the highway on March 17, 1993, making it the first highway in the country to be named for Reagan. Since then, a number of highways and other landmarks have been named for him. Following the commissioners' action, local Democrats unsuccessfully pushed to rename the highway for radio and television broadcaster Ruth Lyons , while area residents contacted

4731-473: The news and pleased to be associated with the city of Cincinnati. Thank you all. The board officially renamed the highway on March 17, 1993, making it the first highway in the country to be named for Reagan. Since then, a number of highways and other landmarks have been named for him. Following the commissioners' action, local Democrats unsuccessfully pushed to rename the highway for radio and television broadcaster Ruth Lyons , while area residents contacted

4814-641: The planned roundabout, formerly the site of a car dealership, into the Montgomery Quarter, a $ 140 million mixed-use development. Before traffic signals were installed in 2018, the intersection between eastbound Ronald Reagan Highway and the entrance ramp from southbound I-71 was the most crash-prone one-tenth-mile-long (0.16 km) stretch of roadway in the Greater Cincinnati area, with 666.39 collisions and 102.53 injuries and fatalities on average annually, The intersection between

4897-504: The planned roundabout, formerly the site of a car dealership, into the Montgomery Quarter, a $ 140 million mixed-use development. Before traffic signals were installed in 2018, the intersection between eastbound Ronald Reagan Highway and the entrance ramp from southbound I-71 was the most crash-prone one-tenth-mile-long (0.16 km) stretch of roadway in the Greater Cincinnati area, with 666.39 collisions and 102.53 injuries and fatalities on average annually, The intersection between

4980-453: The same route to reach northbound I-75. The short, easternmost stretch from Interstate 71 to Montgomery Road is a limited-access road , with I-71 ramps forming signalized intersections with Ronald Reagan Highway. Ronald Reagan Highway's abrupt end at Montgomery Road is being converted to a turbo roundabout . State Route 126 continues north- and eastward on Montgomery Road through Montgomery and Indian Hill . A redwood sign commemorating

5063-557: The same three-letter location identifier for the FAA and IATA , Blue Ash Airport was assigned I77 and later ISZ by the FAA but had no designation from the IATA. Blue Ash Airport's history began in 1921 with a dirt runway located off Cooper Road, in then-unincorporated Sycamore Township , on land that has since been converted into an industrial park. The first Cincinnati– Chicago airmail flight took off from this field. On August 5, 1922, it

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5146-399: The short term, then eventually widened to a limited-access roadway with four to five lanes. Opposition from Crosby Township residents and trustees scuttled the plan. In 2001, Crosby Township again fought a plan by the county transportation improvement district to extend State Route 126 along the remainder of Ronald Reagan Highway, Blue Rock Road, and a new bypass around New Baltimore to

5229-399: The short term, then eventually widened to a limited-access roadway with four to five lanes. Opposition from Crosby Township residents and trustees scuttled the plan. In 2001, Crosby Township again fought a plan by the county transportation improvement district to extend State Route 126 along the remainder of Ronald Reagan Highway, Blue Rock Road, and a new bypass around New Baltimore to

5312-580: The success of the Greater Cincinnati Airport in Northern Kentucky, officials dropped plans to expand Blue Ash Airport and connect Cross County directly to the airport. The first leg of Cross County Highway, a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) stretch from Ridge Road to Galbraith Road, was built between 1957 and 1958 and cost $ 800,000. In 1965, a year after Hamilton County voters passed a one-mill tax levy for Cross County expansion,

5395-417: The two cities reworked the purchase in 2007 to avoid violating FAA rules. The most recent airport master plan called for the retention and improvement of the current runway but the removal and demolition of all facilities to the west of the runway (the current taxiways, hangars, and ramps), the construction of a parallel taxiway, and new terminals and facilities to the east of the runway. The reclaimed area to

5478-573: The unbuilt Montgomery bypass as "future construction". In 1975, the westernmost 2.3 miles (3.7 km) of Cross County, from Interstate 275 to Colerain Avenue, was completed for $ 8.5 million. Two hundred homes were razed in Mount Healthy and North College Hill to make way for construction that would not begin until the mid-1990s. Three county-proposed routes were rejected by the two villages. Mount Healthy objected to one proposed path because it would have cut through Arlington Memorial Gardens,

5561-511: The unbuilt Montgomery bypass as "future construction". In 1975, the westernmost 2.3 miles (3.7 km) of Cross County, from Interstate 275 to Colerain Avenue, was completed for $ 8.5 million. Two hundred homes were razed in Mount Healthy and North College Hill to make way for construction that would not begin until the mid-1990s. Three county-proposed routes were rejected by the two villages. Mount Healthy objected to one proposed path because it would have cut through Arlington Memorial Gardens,

5644-442: The undeveloped portions of the 1,600-acre (6.5 km) tract. The non-profit Community Improvement Corporation, initially led by Reed Hartman, carved out a well-landscaped CIC Industrial Park at the former Parks Watson Airport to the east and, in 1979, the 18-hole Blue Ash Golf Course to the west. In 1977, Cincinnati finally replaced the grass runways with a paved runway and taxiways, the city's last major infrastructure improvements to

5727-460: The wealthy village's undeveloped greenbelt. The highway's abrupt end in Montgomery contributed to a significant increase in traffic to that city: by 1978, Montgomery Road carried an estimated 18,000 cars per day. In 1984, Montgomery city officials unsuccessfully asked the county to either extend the highway east through Indian Hill or truncate it at Interstate 71. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) straight-line diagrams continue to indicate

5810-495: The west of the runway was to be converted into a park, some light retail spaces, a museum, and additional space for three relocated holes from the Blue Ash Golf Course. Despite these plans, the City of Cincinnati concluded in 2012 that it could not afford to reconfigure the airstrip and keep it operational and decided to focus its resources on Lunken Airport. Meanwhile, Blue Ash expressed little interest in operating

5893-490: The westbound exit ramp of Ronald Reagan Highway and Colerain Avenue had 20 collisions in 2014 (none of which involved injuries), making it the fifth most crash-prone intersection on a Hamilton County road that year. On August 15, 1998, a Cessna 152 departing from Blue Ash Airport bound for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ran out of fuel and collided with a car, killing three, as it attempted an emergency landing on Ronald Reagan Highway. The entire route

5976-490: The westbound exit ramp of Ronald Reagan Highway and Colerain Avenue had 20 collisions in 2014 (none of which involved injuries), making it the fifth most crash-prone intersection on a Hamilton County road that year. On August 15, 1998, a Cessna 152 departing from Blue Ash Airport bound for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ran out of fuel and collided with a car, killing three, as it attempted an emergency landing on Ronald Reagan Highway. The entire route

6059-480: The wooded western side of the airfield and demolished the Co-Op Aircraft Service hangar, which had stood since 1952. On May 19, 2017, Cincinnati sold the remaining 98 acres (40 ha), including the runway, to Al. Neyer. Neyer is building a mixed-use development on the site named The Neighborhoods of Summit Park, beginning with a residential subdivision named The Daventry. A 1969 Cessna aircraft

6142-473: Was built between 1957 and 1958 and cost $ 800,000. In 1965, a year after Hamilton County voters passed a one-mill tax levy for Cross County expansion, the highway was extended from Ridge Road 2.7 miles (4.3 km) east to Kenwood Road for $ 2.9 million. Then, in 1968, it was extended 0.7 miles (1.1 km) further east to Montgomery Road, through the back nine holes of the Swaim Fields golf course, for $ 1.8 million. In 1963, Hamilton County commissioners asked

6225-468: Was conceived in the 1940s as a 5-mile-long (8.0 km) connector from the Mill Creek Expressway ( Interstate 75 ) to the Blue Ash Airport , which was expected to become Cincinnati's metropolitan commercial airport. In 1950, the concept was upgraded to an expressway; five years later, it grew into a 22-mile-long (35 km) lateral that would span the proposed Circumferential Highway ( Interstate 275 ). The project, originally estimated at $ 30 million,

6308-555: Was dedicated as Grisard Field , after Cincinnati-area pilot Lt. John K. Grisard, who was shot down in France during World War I . The following year, the Grisard Field Company leased the field to Maj. Hugh Watson, a barnstormer and former Army flight instructor, and his brother Parks. They were joined by John Paul Riddle and, in 1924, T. Higbee Embry . The company owned two Curtiss JN-4 biplanes. In its early days,

6391-463: Was home to the fully restored World War II B-17 bomber , My Gal Sal (one of three B-17E bombers in existence). It was housed in the Warbirds hangar and open for touring at certain scheduled times. Plans were in place to make the bomber the centerpiece of an aviation museum at the airport. Despite having private funding already promised for the construction of the museum, the plans were abandoned when

6474-411: Was intended to connect the east and west sides of town and relieve congestion on Galbraith Road (State Route 126). In 1959, amid the success of the Greater Cincinnati Airport in Northern Kentucky, officials dropped plans to expand Blue Ash Airport and connect Cross County directly to the airport. The first leg of Cross County Highway, a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) stretch from Ridge Road to Galbraith Road,

6557-420: Was never built; the Mill Creek Expressway (Interstate 75); and the Northeast Expressway ( Interstate 71 ). Cross County Highway would have bypassed downtown Montgomery, extending eastward from Montgomery Road to connect with Remington Road halfway to Remington , thus providing better connectivity with Loveland and Milford . However, this easternmost segment was abandoned after Indian Hill refused to pass

6640-404: Was rerouted over the highway, while the former route along Kemper, Glendale Milford, Kenwood, and Cooper roads was returned to local authorities. As part of the rerouting, ODOT District 8 intended to replace the highway's name with the state route shield on all signage, a standard practice due to space constraints. However, Republican ODOT director Jerry Wray overruled the district office, keeping

6723-404: Was rerouted over the highway, while the former route along Kemper, Glendale Milford, Kenwood, and Cooper roads was returned to local authorities. As part of the rerouting, ODOT District 8 intended to replace the highway's name with the state route shield on all signage, a standard practice due to space constraints. However, Republican ODOT director Jerry Wray overruled the district office, keeping

6806-428: Was stranded at the airport when it closed; it was later stripped of its parts, then removed during construction. Before the sale of 128 acres (52 ha) to the City of Blue Ash, Cincinnati–Blue Ash Airport covered an area of 257 acres (104 ha) and was served by three fixed-base operators . Two taxiways and one asphalt -paved runway (6/24) measuring 3,499 by 75 feet (1,066 m × 23 m) roughly formed

6889-417: Was transferred to the state highway system in 1997. Ronald Reagan Highway begins as a 2.3-mile-long (3.7 km) county-maintained highway in Colerain Township , from Interstate 275 to Colerain Avenue ( U.S. Route 27 / State Route 126 ) in the community of Groesbeck . This westernmost portion is designated as County Road 453; however, signs indicate this stretch solely by its name. From Groesbeck,

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