ODOT Kicks Off Another Record Construction Season

Ohio is investing a record-breaking $3.4 billion in infrastructure, with 977 new projects planned for 2026. Major constructions, safety projects, and improvements on highways and bridges are set to enhance transportation across the state by fall 2029.

April 20, 2026 - Midwest Edition #9
Ohio Department of Transportation

ODOT photo

Spring in Ohio means orange barrels and renewed investment in Ohio's infrastructure. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is kicking off a record-breaking $3.4 billion construction season statewide.

The 2026 construction season includes a total of 977 new projects. This year, 739 bridges and approximately 4,562 mi. of roadway, equivalent to driving from Columbus to San Diego, Calif., and back, are set to be improved. There are 36 major projects with a value over $10 million. Eighty cents of every dollar invested this year will go directly to preservation of existing roads and bridges.

This construction season also will include the start of 174 safety projects. Ohio continues to spend more per capita than any other state when it comes to roadway safety.

NW Ohio

• Allen & Hancock County — Interstate 75 Resurfacing —The $3.1 million dollar project will microsurface I-75 between the Auglaize County line to the concrete pavement just south of the 4th Street interchange (118-125 MM) in Allen County and between County Road 313 and U.S. 224 (155-159 MM) in Hancock County. Work is scheduled for completion by this fall.

• Wood County — I-75 and I-475 Resurfacing — A project to resurface Interstate 75 and Interstate 475 in the vicinity of the Perrysburg interchange, and Interstate 475 from Interstate 75 to the Maumee River. The project also includes leveling the approach slabs leading onto and off the W. Dussel Drive/Salisbury Road bridge over I-475. Construction is estimated to be complete this fall.

NE Ohio

• Cuyahoga County — I-90 Between E. 9th Street and Carnegie Avenue — The $280 million project includes replacing the pavement and five bridges. Estimated completion summer 2032.

• Erie County — U.S. 6 Connectivity Corridor — The $27 million project will increase the efficiency and operation of the U.S. 6 corridor from Cedar Point Drive through the State Route 2 interchange with Rye Beach Road. Work is expected to be completed by the spring of 2029.

• Summit County — SR 8 hi-level bridge replacement — The $157.6 million project also includes minor re-alignment of SR 8 and the addition of a new auxiliary lane in each direction of SR 8 between Glenwood Avenue and Perkins Street. Estimated completion is set for the summer of 2028.

Central Ohio

• Licking County — State Route 16 Rehabilitation and Expansion — This $47.2 million project involves major pavement rehab and replacement of composite and includes maintenance for three bridges and culverts within the project limits. Estimated completion date is fall of 2028.

• Union County — U.S. 42 and Industrial Parkway Safety Improvements — The $7.9 million project adds turn lanes to each leg of the intersection. U.S. 42 also will be widened to five lanes between Industrial Parkway and US 33. Estimated completion is set for this fall.

SW Ohio

• Hamilton County — I-75 Bridge Rehab and Resurfacing in the Lockland Split — This $12.6 million dollar project will repair the structural steel, update paint and make other improvements to the I-75 northbound bridge over the Mill Creek, the railroad, Benson Street and Shepard Lane. It also will resurface I-75 in the Lockland Split. The project is scheduled for completion in October of 2026.

• Logan County — US 33 at SR 274 Roundabout — This safety improvement will decrease right angle crashes and help with traffic flow at that location. The project is tentatively scheduled for completion in June of 2027.

SE Ohio

• Athens and Meigs County — U.S. 33 Expansion Project — Started in 2025, this $274 million project is converting 25 mi. of U.S. 33 between Athens and the Ohio River from two-lane highway to four-lane highway. Estimated completion is set for the fall of 2028.

• Ross County — SR 159 (Bridge Street) Safety Improvement Project — This $19.2 million project began last year. The second year of work includes removing 13 in. of pavement at the U.S. 35/Bridge Street interchange, improving traffic flow by adding an exit-only lane on southbound Bridge Street to westbound U.S. 35, adding a third northbound lane between Stewart Road and U.S. 35, and extending a sidewalk/shared up path north through the project site. Work is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027.

• Belmont County — I-70 at SR 149 Interchange Improvement — This $27 million investment is designed to support current and future traffic demands while improving safety and mobility for all travelers. Construction is estimated to be completed in summer 2029.