Ohio

[The Ghostbuster]

How many homes and businesses would have to be demolished to implement each alternative?

[vtk]

The decorative fencing installed along Interstate 670 during its reconstruction around 23 years ago will be replaced with vandal-protective fencing, including the Gooddale and High Street caps, next year (ODOT). The decorative fencing was a compromise with community leaders who had initially balked at vandal-protective chain-link fencing. The base of the fencing will also be repaired. Just a visual walk-around showed some deterioration of the fencing and concrete bases because of salt intrusion. Still, it would be disappointing to see this replaced with some generic fencing. Public commenting is still open.

Has vandalism been a problem? How are the existing fences not as protective against vandalism than the proposed chain link?

[GCrites]

It looks like they've added chain-link fence fabric to the decorative fencing already on the Goodale Cap.

[seicer]

Was it the result of people throwing things onto the interstate? Those fences were quite tall. I haven't walked over Gooddale in a while.

[vtk]

(Good ale, not good dale. Only one d.)

[TempoNick]

ODOT claiming major investments for Central Ohio m

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/odot-planning-major-investments-in-central-ohio-roads/amp/

[74/171FAN]

Anyway, an update from the I-71/I-670 crash in May also posted last night.

[TempoNick]

Anyway, an update from the I-71/I-670 crash in May also posted last night.

They won't give a name. I thought the whole point of putting people's names in the media was for the ridicule and to teach people not to do stupid things again.

[PColumbus73]

Anyway, an update from the I-71/I-670 crash in May also posted last night.

They won't give a name. I thought the whole point of putting people's names in the media was for the ridicule and to teach people not to do stupid things again.

I feel like they should have been charged with leaving the scene. It makes me wonder how the other driver's auto insurance determined who was 'at fault'.

[vtk]

the Interstate 70/71 split in downtown Columbus has been an active construction zone for decades.

No, it hasn't. If you consider all of the freeways all around downtown, yeah there was always something going on somewhere almost continuously from the early 90s to 2003, and again from 2011 to now. But if you look closer, that's been a construction zone here, then a construction zone there, et c. Characterizing it as one continuously-operated construction zone is just not true.

[TempoNick]

Anyway, an update from the I-71/I-670 crash in May also posted last night.

They won't give a name. I thought the whole point of putting people's names in the media was for the ridicule and to teach people not to do stupid things again.

I feel like they should have been charged with leaving the scene. It makes me wonder how the other driver's auto insurance determined who was 'at fault'.

the Interstate 70/71 split in downtown Columbus has been an active construction zone for decades.

No, it hasn't. If you consider all of the freeways all around downtown, yeah there was always something going on somewhere almost continuously from the early 90s to 2003, and again from 2011 to now. But if you look closer, that's been a construction zone here, then a construction zone there, et c. Characterizing it as one continuously-operated construction zone is just not true.

All those flyover ramps and the intertwining of I-70 and I-71 seems like overkill to me. I wonder if the project would have been easier if their focus would have been on upgrading I-670 for I-71 through traffic. It seems to me that if I-71 follows that path, it takes traffic off of the split. And there is so much bad design on the old section, it's just begging to be reconfigured.

[74/171FAN]

Well the I-475/US 23 thread got locked so I guess this goes here.

New Interchange at I-475 and U.S. 20A set to open early August

[tigerwings]

Still had Ohio 20A signs as of Wednesday on the ramps.

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/119643

Some projects coming to the Van Wert area.

-US 30 / US 224 interchange reconfiguration: converts the trumpet interchange into a partial cloverleaf with a roundabout for the realigned Liberty-Union Road.

-US 30 / John Brown Road intersection: converts the intersection into a RCUT

-US 127 (Washington Street) from US 30 to Bonnewitz Avenue: adds two roundabouts while also adding a median

[carbaugh2]

Here is the link to all of the 2025 TRAC applications that will be reviewed by the committee next spring.

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/trac/home/2025-apps

There are some interesting projects included in the applications, such as widening I-70 from the Indiana State Line to mile 5, extending the US 30 freeway in the Canton area, and extending Bluegrass Pkwy in Fayette County near the LG-Honda battery plant. Since I spent my college days in Cincinnati, I can attest that the Western Hills Viaduct needed to be replaced 25 years ago, so I am glad that it is finally being advanced.

[Buck87]

I see widening the rest of I-75 in Miami County (from Troy to the Shelby County line)

Would be nice to see that one included, so we can start chipping away at the gap between Troy and Findlay that's only 4 lanes.

[seicer]

Massive Akron Beltway Project Wrapping Up
August 13, 2025

AKRON – After four years, one of the largest projects in northeast Ohio is nearing the finish line.

Today, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 4 Deputy Director, Gery Noirot and Akron Mayor Shammas Malik joined local officials, and project personnel for the ceremonial opening of the new and improved Central Interchange project, the largest project in District 4 history.

The $161 million project included:

• Replacement of the pavement and additional lanes on Interstate 77 from just north of I-277/U.S. 224 and Lovers Lane
• Pavement replacement on I-76/I-77 from Princeton Ave. to the I-77/SR 261 interchange
• Pavement replacement on I-76, I-77 and SR 8 at the Central Interchange.
• Resurfacing of SR 8 and the addition of a southbound lane on SR 8 between Carroll St. and Beacon St.

Overall, the project reconstructed 45 lane miles of pavement, and more than 40 bridges were repaired.

"We know the people who work, live, and travel through this area had to deal with a lot of inconvenience, delay, and frustration. We appreciate their patience as we made these significant improvements. The result will be a huge benefit to those traveling to and through the Akron area," Noirot said. 

One of the most notable features of the project is the reconstruction at the Central Interchange, specifically the re-alignment and reconstruction of the ramps from I-76 westbound to I-77 southbound and I-76 eastbound to SR 8. These new ramps will reduce congestion and improve safety by making the turning radius more gradual. This allows traffic to flow better without having to slow down to 25 miles per hour.

Work is scheduled to be completed by November with just minor work remaining including bridge painting and other small miscellaneous items.

"This project provides Akron with an enhanced gateway as well as a freeway system that is a safer and more efficient mover of traffic. It took a lot of teamwork and planning to get it done. I'm proud of all the hard work that went into it," Noirot added.

The Ruhlin and Shelly & Sands Joint Venture began work on this project in the summer of 2021.

The entire project was funded by ODOT Preservation, ODOT Safety, TRAC, and ODOT Major Rehabilitation.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Lake County I-90 Major Rehab

"This project will replace the existing pavement along I-90 between Kirtland Rd. and Morely Rd. in the cities of Willoughby, Mentor, Kirtland Hills, and Concord Township. Work will also include new drainage infrastructure and lighting upgrades. The interchange ramps at SR 306 and SR 615 will also undergo pavement replacement."

This is a $92 million project with construction to begin in 2027 and end in 2032...

[seicer]

The concrete pavement on that section was replaced around 2007-08, so it is only around 18 years old. Typical conditions show extensive patching starting in 2014.

[carbaugh2]

I came across this update on the Blaine Hill Bridge on US 40 (National Road) in Belmont County. I appreciate that ODOT is restoring the historical bridge rather than replacing it with something nondescript.

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/district-11/blaine-bridge-update-09-26-2025

[Hot Rod Hootenanny]

I came across this update on the Blaine Hill Bridge on US 40 (National Road) in Belmont County. I appreciate that ODOT is restoring the historical bridge rather than replacing it with something nondescript.

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/district-11/blaine-bridge-update-09-26-2025

Bitmapped, didn't you work on the last restoration of Blaine Hill about 20-25 years ago?

[Bitmapped]

I came across this update on the Blaine Hill Bridge on US 40 (National Road) in Belmont County. I appreciate that ODOT is restoring the historical bridge rather than replacing it with something nondescript.

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/district-11/blaine-bridge-update-09-26-2025

Bitmapped, didn't you work on the last restoration of Blaine Hill about 20-25 years ago?

A little bit of advocacy work for actually restoring the original National Road bridge. One of the arches had failed and it was an open question of what was going to happen to the bridge.

To be clear, the Blaine Hill Bridge ODOT is currently rehabilitating is a 1930s vintage concrete open spandrel arch structure. It's significant in its own right, and I'm glad to see ODOT is preserving this span.

[seicer]

I'm not sure why the title of their page states replacement when it's a rehabilitation.

Hune Covered Bridge Replacement

The Washington County Engineer, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), is proposing a bridge rehabilitation project for the Historic Hune Covered Bridge that historically carried TR-34 (Duff Road) over the Little Muskingum River in Lawrence Township, Washington County.

The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate the existing structure, the Hune Covered Bridge, conveying TR-34 (Duff Road) over the Little Muskingum River at river mile (RM) 21.2 in Lawrence Township, Washington County. The bridge shows signs of deterioration and needs repair, specifically replacement of the forward stone pier. To preserve the historic integrity of the bridge, original construction materials will be used as much as possible in the rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of the existing structure is necessary to convert the historic bridge into a safe pedestrian-only trailhead to the United States Forest Service Wayne National Forest's Hune Campground and preserve it into the future. The existing bridge currently has no vehicle access. Upon completion, the bridge will remain a pedestrian-only bridge with no vehicle access.

Impacts will be necessary to the Little Muskingum River, an adjacent tributary, and a small wetland below the bridge in order to repair the bridge, and replace the failing stone pier. The Little Muskingum River was surveyed for freshwater mussels and mussels will be relocated prior to construction.

A small amount of work will take place outside of existing operational ROW. Temporary ROW will be required from the Wayne National Forest's Hune Campground. Less than 1 acre of the Wayne National Forest would be used for equipment staging and access during construction phase of the project. During this time, campsite #4 at the Hune Bridge Campground will be closed to visitors.

Vehicular traffic will be maintained on Duff Road except for a short amount of time when traffic will be detoured to nearby county/township roads. The bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic during construction. Any utility impacts will be handled appropriately prior to construction. Construction is expected to begin in October 2026 and will take approximately 13 months ending in November 2027.

-

SR 850 will be closed for 4 to 6 weeks next year for roadway reconstruction.

Gallia State Route 850 Widening and Improvements

ODOT is proposing improvements to two sections of State Route 850 in Springfield Township, Gallia County. Proposed improvements include widening the roadway shoulders, adding rumble stripes in the center of the roadway (north and south segment), adding rumble stripes along the edges of the roadway (south segment), and profile and intersection improvements.

Proposed Improvements

On the north segment, the paved surface will be widened to 26 feet with centerline rumble stripes. Minor shoulder grading improvements will be made, and the profile will be slightly raised to reduce the frequency it is flooded. See images below for proposed improvements.

On the south segment, the paved surface will be widened to 30 feet with edge and centerline rumble stripes, and shoulder grading will be improved. The roadway profile will be improved in five locations to improve sight distance and driver comfort. The alignment of the Harrisburg Road intersection will also be improved. See images below for proposed improvements.

[74/171FAN]

In regard to the OH 850 page, the map shows an erroneous upgrade to US 35 to an eastern segment of I-35.   

[Bitmapped]

I'm not sure why the title of their page states replacement when it's a rehabilitation.

Hune Covered Bridge Replacement

The Washington County Engineer, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), is proposing a bridge rehabilitation project for the Historic Hune Covered Bridge that historically carried TR-34 (Duff Road) over the Little Muskingum River in Lawrence Township, Washington County.

The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate the existing structure, the Hune Covered Bridge, conveying TR-34 (Duff Road) over the Little Muskingum River at river mile (RM) 21.2 in Lawrence Township, Washington County. The bridge shows signs of deterioration and needs repair, specifically replacement of the forward stone pier. To preserve the historic integrity of the bridge, original construction materials will be used as much as possible in the rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of the existing structure is necessary to convert the historic bridge into a safe pedestrian-only trailhead to the United States Forest Service Wayne National Forest's Hune Campground and preserve it into the future. The existing bridge currently has no vehicle access. Upon completion, the bridge will remain a pedestrian-only bridge with no vehicle access.

Impacts will be necessary to the Little Muskingum River, an adjacent tributary, and a small wetland below the bridge in order to repair the bridge, and replace the failing stone pier. The Little Muskingum River was surveyed for freshwater mussels and mussels will be relocated prior to construction.

A small amount of work will take place outside of existing operational ROW. Temporary ROW will be required from the Wayne National Forest's Hune Campground. Less than 1 acre of the Wayne National Forest would be used for equipment staging and access during construction phase of the project. During this time, campsite #4 at the Hune Bridge Campground will be closed to visitors.

Vehicular traffic will be maintained on Duff Road except for a short amount of time when traffic will be detoured to nearby county/township roads. The bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic during construction. Any utility impacts will be handled appropriately prior to construction. Construction is expected to begin in October 2026 and will take approximately 13 months ending in November 2027.

I'm glad to see this bridge getting fixed. It's been closed since about 2019 due to concerns with land movement on its one abutment. I don't know if the bridge has bigger structural issues than just the pier if they're keeping it as pedestrian-only following the repair.

It's been a rough stretch for covered bridges along the Little Muskingum River over the last 20 years. Hills-Hildreth was fenced off for a number of years, but is evidently open to pedestrians again. Hune is getting rehabbed. Rinard was washed off its abutments in 2004 and rebuilt in 2006. Knowlton partially collapsed in 2019 but was rebuilt last year.