Politicians and business leaders from Dublin and Marysville are hoping the first phase of a 30-year project to improve the 43-year-old interchange at Interstate 270 and U.S. 33 will get the green light next year.

The upgrade of the traditional cloverleaf interchange will cost an estimated $145-million, with the project broken up into three phases to aid in receiving funds.

The $40-million to $45-million first phase consists of constructing a northbound to westbound directional ramp, which should be completed by 2014-2015, according to the city of Dublin's project application to the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), which sets priorities for Ohio's road construction projects.

Officials from Dublin sought a letter of support from Union County commissioners on Nov. 9, before going to the TRAC hearing Nov. 12.

"It's been staggering what this interchange has done for all of us," Jeannie Willis, assistant director of engineering-transportation for Dublin, told the commissioners. "Tens of thousands of commuters and 20,000 trucks a day are flowing through this interchange, (which) looks today pretty much as it did 40 years ago."

Willis said rapid growth in both Dublin and Marysville and businesses using the intersection have resulted in increased congestion, accidents (ranking 10th in the state), longer commute times, decreased productivity and increased auto emissions for more than 40,000 employees at more than 1,000 local businesses.

"I'm sure anyone in this room has experienced the frustration of the dodgy situations that can occur in this particular interchange," Willis said. "The interchange is on the verge of failure. It is carrying well over 20 percent more than it was designed to carry, so it is well over capacity. Travelers lose the equivalent of almost eight work days a year stuck in traffic, so imagine if we can keep our freeways free-flowing, how that would improve everything."

"I think we need to give as much support as we can to this project," said Commissioner Charles Hall. After a unanimous vote of support, Commissioner Tom McCarthy told the Dublin delegation, "We very much want to help you."

On Nov. 12, Marysville Mayor Chris Schmenk and Willis were among those pitching the project before Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jolene Molitoris and the seven other TRAC members at ODOT's headquarters in Columbus. The I-270/U.S. 33 upgrade was one of 105 statewide road projects making its case to TRAC, and one of 16 projects in central Ohio being discussed at the hearing.

"The purpose of this meeting is for you to demonstrate the high points that you want each member of the TRAC to understand," Molitoris said. Helping to speed the hearing along was a working traffic signal, which turned red when the allotted presentation time was exceeded.

Two officials -- Franklin County engineer and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission chair Dean Ringle, along with Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce vice president of government affairs Steve Tugend -- told TRAC that I-270/U.S. 33 was one of the top priority new road construction projects in central Ohio.

Willis said Dublin is seeking $9.6-million from TRAC, and already has committed to $2.4-million. The $12-million total will go toward studies and designs, right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocation. The remaining $30-million to $33-million needed for construction will be sought from federal funding, the Ohio Public Works Commission and the Ohio Department of Development, Willis said.

"The city of Dublin has been a recognized leader in innovative financing for transportation projects in the past," Willis said.

Schmenk told TRAC, "I'm here in two capacities to speak in support of this project."

As mayor of Marysville, Schmenk said, "The Route 33 corridor between Dublin and Marysville is predicted to be an area of rapid business growth in the next decade. The smooth operation of this interchange is important to maintaining Marys-ville's economic health."

And as vice president of external affairs for Scotts Miracle-Gro, Schmenk said, "Improvement of this interchange would be an improvement in the quality of life of Scotts' employees, decreasing commute times, freeway accidents and stress levels."

The traffic signal turned red during the I-270/U.S. 33 presentation, but that didn't signal a halt to discussion on the project.

Molitoris told the delegation to "pursue a proactive stance" in regards to other forms of transportation and mass transit in the region, as well as a "design-build option," which would help to speed up the project.

"Time is not our friend," Molitoris said. "I would encourage you to pursue every option, and we certainly will support you."

A decision on the project is expected in February, Willis said.