COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is launching its largest-ever construction season, pouring $2.8 billion into 950 projects aimed at improving roads and bridges throughout the state. Among these, 39 have been designated as “major projects,” each valued at over $10 million.
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the importance of these projects, stating, “Investing in efficient infrastructure is an investment in quality of life. These projects, once completed, will significantly alleviate traffic congestion and enhance roadway safety.”
The construction program for this year also encompasses 176 safety projects and the laying of nearly 5,700 miles of pavement – a distance equivalent to a two-lane road stretching from New York City to Los Angeles. The projects will also involve the repair or replacement of 885 bridges across the state.
ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks, Ph.D., acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the ubiquitous orange barrels, a common sight during summer. However, he stressed that they symbolize progress and improvement for all Ohio residents and visitors.
In the southeastern Ohio region (ODOT District 10), work will begin on 80 projects, representing an investment of $126 million. This includes both new and ongoing projects. The construction program for this year in the region includes 10 safety projects, 25 bridge and culvert projects, 22 pavement projects, and 7 landslide and rockfall projects. ODOT District 10 covers Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Vinton, and Washington Counties.
Key projects in Southeast Ohio include concrete pavement repairs on U.S. 33 in Meigs County and pavement replacement on SR 7 in Monroe County.
Work zone safety remains a critical concern. So far this year, 43 ODOT crews have been hit while working, compared to 56 crews hit last year. In 2023, 14 ODOT workers and 9 contractors were injured in work zone crashes, with one contractor tragically losing their life.
Last year, Ohio saw 4,098 work zone-related crashes, with 36% occurring when workers were present. These crashes resulted in 1,433 injuries, including 110 classified as serious injuries. Nine people, including one contractor, were killed. August was the peak month for work zone crashes with 523 incidents. Summit County led the state with 576 work zone crashes, followed by Cuyahoga County with 521, and Lucas County with 413. Rear-end crashes were the most common type of work zone crash.
Speeding remains a significant factor in work zone crashes. In 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol issued 3,760 citations, with 34% for speeds exceeding the posted limit by more than 20 miles per hour.
Marchbanks urged drivers to exercise caution, saying, “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.”