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Spring in Ohio means orange barrels and renewed investment in Ohio’s infrastructure. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is kicking off a record-breaking $3.4 billion construction season statewide.
The 2026 construction season includes a total of 977 new projects. This year, 739 bridges and approximately 4,562 miles of roadway, equivalent to driving from Columbus to San Diego, California, and back, are set to be improved. There are 36 major projects with a value over $10 million. Eighty cents of every dollar invested this year will go directly to preservation of existing roads and bridges.
This construction season will also include the start of 174 safety projects. Ohio continues to spend more per capita than any other state when it comes to roadway safety.
“As a state that makes and moves things, we must have a safe transportation system that is well maintained,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “As they do each year, our ODOT teams will be making enhancements to Ohio’s roadways to better protect everyone traveling on them.”
Since the beginning of the DeWine Administration in 2019, ODOT has invested $15.5 billion into 6,067 projects across the state.
“This record-setting construction season is a testament to ODOT’s focus on building a more resilient transportation system and saving lives,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “This investment positions Ohio as the heart of the nation’s supply chain and continues to fuel the state’s economic engine.”
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN SOUTHWEST OHIO
- Greene County – The Great Council State Park Pedestrian Bridge – This project will construct a shared use path pedestrian and bicycle bridge over US 68 between the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the new Shawnee Interpretive Education Center in Greene County. The project is scheduled for completion in Fall of 2026.
- Hamilton County – I-75 Bridge Rehab and Resurfacing in the Lockland Split This $12.6 million dollar project will repair the structural steel, update paint, and make other improvements to the I-75 northbound bridge over the Mill Creek, the railroad, Benson Street, and Shepard Lane. It will also resurface I-75 in the Lockland Split. The project is scheduled for completion in October of 2026.
- Hamilton County – Millcreek Expressway In part, the Mill Creek Expressway series of projects includes widening for additional through lanes from Regina Graeter Way to SR 126/Galbraith Road, improving the Paddock Road interchange and connecting to the existing SR 126 interchange southern ramps. Construction also includes the replacement of three railroad bridges over SR 562, I-75 and Prosser Avenue. Work is scheduled for completion in 2029.
- Logan County – US 33 at SR 274 Roundabout This safety improvement will decrease right angle crashes and help with traffic flow at that location. The project is tentatively scheduled for completion in June of 2027.
- Miami County – SR 41 interchange at I-75 This $3.3 million dollar project will create safety improvements at the I-75/SR 41 interchange in Miami County. These improvements will include signal upgrades, turn lane and sidewalks on SR 41 between I-75 and Troy Towne Drive, as well as north off ramp improvements. The project is scheduled for completion in October of 2026.
- Montgomery and Warren Counties– I-75 widening This project will add a fourth lane in each direction on I-75 between I-675 and Pennyroyal Road in Montgomery and Warren Counties. It also includes pavement upgrades, traffic signal upgrades at Austin Boulevard and I-75, as well as drainage improvements, and guardrail. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029.
WORK ZONE SAFETY
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 4,435 work zone crashes in Ohio last year with 34% of those crashes occurring with workers present. Sadly, 21 people were killed in 17 deadly work zone crashes. Another 96 work zone crashes resulted in serious injuries.
Speeding and following too closely continue to be the top factors in work zone crashes. Troopers wrote 7,019 citations for speeding in work zones with 36% for speeds more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
On February 28, a vehicle drove onto a closed section of I-70 in downtown Columbus and struck Jordan Thomas, an employee of Kokosing Construction. Thomas, 25, died from his injuries. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and still has not been found. A reward of $110,000 has been offered for information leading to their arrest. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Tips can be reported anonymously.
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