First responders battle construction

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Several fender-benders on interstate 75 south caused quite a back up Tuesday morning.  The incidents happened between 35 and Edwin C. Moses.  Officials said traffic was backed up to Needmore road.

2 News wanted to know how emergency vehicles navigate through a construction cluttered interstate on a day to day basis without problem.

Moraine Fire Lt. Gary Rettig said he and his team stay in constant contact with dispatchers, as well as ODOT officials for information on construction projects or new traffic patterns.

"We always have a plan, as well as a back-up plan," said Lt. Rettig.  "We always have a second route in mind to the hospital should there be a traffic jam or accident on 75."

Miami Valley Hospital Communications Center Manager Robyn Flanery recalls a two car collision that happened just four miles from the hospital, but required Care Flight. 

"It happened in Moraine," said Flanery.  "There was a very serious accident and we flew a patient out of there and knowing Moraine is pretty close to the hospital.  Unfortunately, by ground there was too much traffic."

ODOT officials recently announced the start of its final phase of the I-75 Modernization project.  This involves the closing of several ramps leading into downtown Dayton. 

Dayton Fire officials said this will affect which station responds to an emergency, based on the most efficient route of the detour.