Ohio’s Massive $1.7 Billion Road Safety Overhaul: 248 Projects to Commence

Cleveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced $1.7 billion in construction work on 248 projects in Northeast Ohio, which officials claimed would improve road and bridge safety.

The projects in 17 counties include repaving Interstate 90 in three Cuyahoga County communities, which is anticipated to cost $136 million. In addition, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission announced on Tuesday that it had set aside $254 million for toll road improvements. This comprises renovations in Cuyahoga, Portage, and Summit Counties. Authorities encouraged cars to be cautious of workers and slow down in all construction zones.

“Once complete, these projects will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve roadway safety,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement regarding the transportation department’s initiatives.

193 of the ODOT’s 248 projects will commence this year. Approximately one in every six is aimed to reduce serious crashes.

Crews in Cuyahoga County will repave I-90 between Hilliard Boulevard and the I-71-I-490 intersection, which runs through Rocky River, Lakewood, and Cleveland. It’ll start this summer and end in 2027.

In Summit County, construction of the High-Level Bridge on Ohio 8 in Akron will proceed. Construction started last summer and will continue until the summer of 2028. The project’s cost will be $157 million.

The $160 million improvement at I-76/I-77 on the Akron Beltway began in 2021 and is expected to be completed by next summer. The widening of I-77 between Everett Road and Ohio 21 in Bath and Richfield townships will begin this summer and continue until 2026. The refurbishment cost $75 million. The turnpike project spans the 241-mile toll road, but many significant construction sites will be in Northeast Ohio.

In Lorain County, the eastbound on-ramp at the North Ridgeville toll plaza will be blocked from Wednesday to August for bridge construction. The exit ramp to Lorain Road will remain open.

Also, the bridge on Bagley Road above the toll road will be closed later this month until October 2024. Bridge building on Tinkers Creek in Summit and Portage counties will continue until 2026. Two lanes will stay open. Crews will also be working on a bridge crossing Ohio 43 in Portage County. The project will operate until 2025.