WQIO Ohio's Super Station
DELAWARE – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is kicking off a record construction season, investing $2.8 billion into 950 road and bridge improvement projects across the state. There are 39 projects classified as “major projects” with a value above $10 million.
“Investing in efficient infrastructure is an investment in quality of life,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Once complete, these projects will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve roadway safety.”
This year’s construction program also includes 176 safety projects and laying nearly 5,700 miles of pavement – enough to pave a two-lane road from New York City to Los Angeles. Projects will repair or replace 885 bridges in the state.
“While the orange barrels that are synonymous with summer may be a source of frustration and inconvenience for some, they are a sign of progress and improvement for all who live in Ohio and who travel through it,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks, Ph.D.
In the Central Ohio region, construction will commence on 53 projects for an investment of $1.2 billion, which includes both new projects and ongoing work. This year’s construction program includes 10 safety projects aimed directly at reducing serious or deadly crashes in east central Ohio. It also includes 15 bridge projects, 19 pavement projects, and 9 major reconstruction projects.
NOTABLE NEW PROJECTS INCLUDE
- Widening SR 435 in Fayette County to four lanes between U.S. 35 and SR 729
- Pavement repairs on U.S. 33 in Union County through Marysville
- Resurfacing of State Route 95 through Morrow and Marion Counties
- Replacement of the U.S. 36/SR 37 bridge over I-71 in Delaware County
In addition to new projects starting, motorists will continue to see progress at the I-70/71 split in downtown Columbus, the I-70/270 interchange on the east side, and at SR 161 and Post Rd. in Dublin. South of Columbus, work continues on widening I-71 between the Franklin County line and SR 56 in Madison County.
WORK ZONE SAFETY
So far this year, 42 ODOT crews have been struck while working. This compares to 56 ODOT crews hit all of last year. Fourteen ODOT workers and 9 contractors were injured in work zone crashes in 2023. Sadly, one contractor was killed.
Last year, there were 4,098 work zone-related crashes in Ohio with 36% occurring when workers were present. There were 1,433 injuries from work zone-related crashes, 110 of them classified as serious injuries. Nine people were killed, including one contractor. August was the top month for work zone crashes with 523. Summit County led the state with 576 work zone crashes followed by Cuyahoga County with 521, and Lucas County with 413. By far, the top work zone crash type continues to be read-end crashes.
Speeding continues to be a major factor in work zone crashes. In 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol wrote 3,760 citations with 34% for speeds more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
“Driving requires all your attention, but that is especially true in work zones where things can change quickly. Drop the distractions, obey the speed limit, and allow extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of you,” said Marchbanks.
This week is also National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual event to remind motorists to be extra alert in work zones. On Wednesday, ODOT and other transportation agencies encourage you to wear orange to show support for road workers.
