A career in construction is one of the most rewarding. Hard work is made evident after every day on the job. There is proof of Ohio construction workers’ efforts all around us. Peak construction season might be over here in the midwest, but some impressive Ohio infrastructure projects will continue to create some incredible progress. Today, we wrap up 5 of the largest ongoing Ohio Department of Transportation projects.
I-480 Valley View Bridge deck replacements
Cuyahoga County
Crews are actively working to improve the four-decade-old bridge that transports an average of 180,000 vehicles every day. Given the accessibility it provides, a new bridge has been constructed to prevent lane closures and bottlenecks during construction. The project began in the fall of 2017 and is expected to be completed in summer 2024.
Local drivers: The eastbound bridge deck is expected to be complete this fall, so you can expect to be directed back to the eastbound bridge. If you’re traveling on the westbound bridge, you’ll be driving on the new bridge so that new crews can replace that bridge deck.
I-75 Major Reconstruction and DiSalle Bridge Replacement
Lucas & Wood Counties
Crews continue to widen and reconstruct I-75, a major thoroughfare for Ohioans and national travelers alike. Specifically, crews are bringing the roadway width up to current standards between Buck Road and Dorr Street. In addition, the interchanges with Anthony Wayne Trail, South Avenue and Miami Street are being reconfigured for safety purposes and the DiSalle Bridge over the Maumee River is being replaced. This project, which began in the summer of 2018 is expected to take 5 years to complete.
Local drivers: Traffic will be down to two lanes between Buck Road and Monroe Street with possible overnight lane restrictions and ramp closures. We recommend you stay up-to-date on all impacted areas on OHGO.com.
I-76/I-77/SR 8 Akron Beltway Improvements
Summit County
The Akron Beltway is in the midst of a major overhaul. From pavement replacements to lane additions, drivers coming from every direction will benefit from safer, better-flowing traffic patterns. This substantial project began in summer 2021 and is expected to wrap up in summer 2025.
Local drivers: Some of the late-summer rerouting is expected to end early this month, but the ramp from State Route 8 southbound to I-76 westbound and from I-77 northbound to I-76 westbound will remain closed until spring of 2023. And, be on the lookout for new projects kicking off. Construction on I-76 westbound will begin, with traffic reduced to two lanes.
Widening the I-75 Mill Creek Expressway
Hamilton County
As part of ODOT’s 12-phase Mill Creek Expressway “megaproject,” this phase of work will widen I-75 between Hopple Street and Mitchell Avenue. This portion of the megaproject began back in the summer of 2018 and is expected to wrap up by this spring.
Local drivers: Be aware that the left lane of I-74 East will be dedicated to I-75 North access while the right lane will be dedicated to I-75 South. In addition, Beekman Street ramp to I-74 East will only have access to I-75 South. If you want to go northbound, you’ll be detoured via I-75 South to Hoppel Street. You can expect this traffic pattern for a few more weeks.
Reconstructing I-70 through Zanesville
Muskingum County
This project is off to a great start after its summer kickoff, with clear plans set in place through 2027. The four-phase project will take care of everything between U.S. 40 and State Route 93, with full reconstruction spanning from west of the Licking Road overpass to east of the abandoned railroad overpass. Not only will this project restructure and resurface I-70, crews will also improve 16 bridges along the way.
Local drivers: All westbound traffic is now pushed to the outer lanes for median work. Be on the lookout for nightly lane closures, specifically the Underwood Street on-ramp and off-ramp through the middle of this month.
Visit the ODOT Projects page for a complete summary of all ongoing projects statewide.
