I-75 closed overnight for final repairs after power lines fell across highway during severe storms

MONROE, Ohio (WXIX) - Monroe police said they closed Interstate 75 overnight while Duke Energy crews ran an active power line across the highway to replace ones knocked out during recent storms.

The highway closed for periods at a time starting at 9 p.m. Sunday until about 3:50 a.m. Monday.

All lanes are back open now.

Storm damage closed both sides of Interstate 75 for more than five hours in the northern Cincinnati suburbs on the night of April 2.

High winds broke six power poles just north of Monroe in Butler County around 6 p.m., taking down several transmission and distribution lines and one telecommunication line, according to Duke Energy spokesman Jeff Brooks.

He released the following statement last week to explain Sunday’s repairs:

“Duke Energy crews worked hard in the wake of the April 2 severe storms to restore power as quickly as possible after broken poles caused a line to fall across I-75 near Monroe. This Saturday and Sunday, crews will work to complete final replacements of damaged equipment from the storm. We look forward to making these final repairs and are working to minimize impacts to motorists and customers.

Work is planned along I-75 near Monroe on Saturday evening (11 p.m.-4 a.m.) and Sunday evening (11 p.m.- 4 a.m.), weather permitting. There will be four rolling stops planned each night along I-75 for 15 minutes each to pull new power lines across the highway.

Duke Energy is working closely with law enforcement to minimize disruptions to motorists, and we advise caution when traveling through that area during those times to keep drivers and utility crews safe.”

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