CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced the start of a record-breaking $3.2 billion construction season on Monday, encompassing 955 projects statewide, including 38 major initiatives valued over $10 million each.
“This year’s transportation projects will continue to ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace, improving the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Ohio,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. The season’s efforts will enhance 5,538 miles of pavement—equivalent to a two-lane road stretching from New York City to San Diego—and improve 844 bridges.
Safety remains ODOT’s top priority, with 171 projects dedicated to reducing crashes and fatalities. “This year we will see a very significant investment in our transportation infrastructure—one that will improve safety, reduce traffic fatalities, and keep people and goods moving efficiently,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. Ohio maintains one of the nation’s largest per-capita safety programs.
In Southwest Ohio, ODOT is allocating over $375 million for 156 projects, ranging from major reconstructions to routine maintenance. Key efforts include upgrades along Interstate 75.
Work zone safety remains a critical concern. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 4,000 work zone crashes last year, with 35% occurring when workers were present, resulting in 22 deaths and 123 serious injuries. Speeding and tailgating were the leading causes, with troopers issuing 8,396 speeding citations in work zones, 29% for speeds exceeding the limit by more than 20 mph.
Last summer’s Operation Cone Zone, a joint effort with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, reduced crashes and fatalities compared to 2023. ODOT also introduced the “Not Just A Roadside Worker” campaign to promote compliance with Ohio’s Move Over Law, following 84 incidents where ODOT workers, vehicles, or equipment were struck in 2024.
National Work Zone Awareness Week, set for April 21-25 and hosted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, will further highlight the need for driver caution. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 742 driver and passenger deaths in work zone crashes in 2022, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted 94 highway worker fatalities that year.