COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation launched a $2.4 billion investment in transportation construction, which will include the state’s first ever public-private partnership. It’s all part of Gov. John R. Kasich’s Jobs and Transportation Plan, which is in its third year, to advance some of the state’s largest projects.
ODOT’s 2015 construction season includes a state record 990 projects – up 50 from 2014.
The state’s first ever public-private partnership – or P3 – begins construction in Scioto County this spring. The Portsmouth Gateway Group is set to build a $429 million, 16-mile highway that will be the state’s largest, modern earthwork project to date.. The Portsmouth Bypass is a four-lane limited access highway from U.S. Route 23 north of Lucasville to U.S. Route 52 near Sciotoville. It is designed to complete the missing link of the Appalachian Highway System in Ohio and fuel economic development in the region.
“New interchanges and wider roads are the focus of this year’s construction season,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “While our number one priority is to maintain what we already have, this year’s projects place a strong emphasis on improving the economy, safety, and overall quality of life in Ohio.”
Highlights of ODOT’s construction program include:
· 297 bridge and culvert projects totaling $398 million
· 278 pavement projects totaling $523 million
· 219 safety projects totaling $250 million
· 38 major construction projects totaling more than $1 billion
· 81 county or municipal bridge replacement through Gov. Kasich’s Bridge Partnership Program
Projects designed to help the residents and businesses of District 3 include:
· Nearly $14 million corridor improvement along US 250 near the SR 2 interchange in Erie County
· Intersection improvement of US 250 at US 42 in Ashland County totaling $8 million
· $1.6 million construction of a modern roundabout on SR 57/SR 252 in Medina County
· Twin bridge replacements on SR 2 just west of Ohio Turnpike totaling more than $10 million
Go to transportation.ohio.gov/Services/RoadConstruction for statewide construction information.
As a reminder, this is the second year that Ohio’s Move Over Law extends to construction and utility vehicles, as well as law enforcement, safety and towing vehicles. It requires motorists to cautiously shift over one lane — or slow down if changing lanes is not possible — when passing any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of a road.
