Lytle Tunnel

The Lytle Tunnel opened in 1970 and carries six lanes of Interstate 71 in three tubes under Lytle Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is about 1,000 feet long, making it the longest vehicular tunnel in Ohio. It is also the only mechanically ventilated tunnel in the state, although it is not long enough to need vent buildings at the portals. Instead, a single set of ceiling intakes and vane axial fans at the center of the tunnel shoot exhaust out of grates in the sidewalk above.

In the early 2000’s, the tunnel was notorious for having truck collisions inside of it. This was primarily due to drivers not obeying the speed limit signs at the beginning of the tubes and was exasperated by the sharp curve in the tunnel. To mitigate this, Ohio Department of Transportation installed radar speed signs at the entrances to the tunnel.

The tunnel was renovated in 2016. This project included constructing a new underground ventilation system and electrical room, lighting and ITS System, and a cutting-edge sound proofing system. The project also added carbon monoxide detectors and a fire suppression system.