ODOT Kicking Off Another Record Construction Season
Article Presented By Rathkamp Financial…
COLUMBUS – 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 projects. This year, 739 bridges and approximately 4,562 miles of roadway, equivalent to driving from Columbus to San Diego, California, and back, are set to be improved. Eighty cents of every dollar invested this year will go directly to preservation of existing roads and bridges.
This construction season will also include the start of 174 safety projects. Ohio continues to spend more per capita than any other state when it comes to roadway safety.
“As a state that makes and moves things, we must have a safe transportation system that is well maintained,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “As they do each year, our ODOT teams will be making enhancements to Ohio’s roadways to better protect everyone traveling on them.”
Since the beginning of the DeWine Administration in 2019, ODOT has invested $15.5 billion into 6,067 projects across the state.
“This record-setting construction season is a testament to ODOT’s focus on building a more resilient transportation system and saving lives,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “This investment positions Ohio as the heart of the nation’s supply chain and continues to fuel the state’s economic engine.”
ODOT DISTRICT 9 (SOUTHERN OHIO) PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
SR 159 (Bridge Street) Safety Improvements
Started in 2025, this $19 million project is making several safety improvements in Ross County along the SR 159/Bridge Street corridor between Riverside Street and the Chillicothe Mall. Estimated completion is set for the summer of 2027.
Chesapeake Bypass Phase 2
The Chesapeake Bypass project has been ongoing for over twenty years. Due to limited funding, the construction of this project is being completed in phases. Phase I was opened to traffic in 2006. Phase 2 involves construction of the western half of the Chesapeake Bypass between the SR 527/SR 7 interchange in Chesapeake east to SR 775 in Proctorville. Phase 2 is approximately 5 miles and includes the construction of a 2-lane highway, with some 4-lane sections and truck climbing lanes, as well as a full interchange at SR 775.
ODOT DISTRICT 10 (SOUTHEASTERN OHIO) PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
U.S. 33 Expansion in Athens and Meigs Counties
Started in 2025, this $274 million project is converting 25 miles 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.
State Route 850 Realignment in Gallia County
Improvements on two sections of SR 850 in Gallia County include pavement widening, rumble stripe installation, and other work to improve sight distance and flooding frequency.
State Route 664 and Sauerkraut Road Roundabout in Hocking County
The sharp horizontal curve of SR 664 in this location has been identified as a roadway departure crash location. Countermeasures including enhanced signage and a 15 MPH advisory speed have failed to sufficiently reduce the number of these crashes.
State Route 26/County Road 17/Goose Run Road Realignment in Washington County
The intersection will be realigned and culvert, signage, and pavement marking work will take place to improve safety for drivers.
WORK ZONE SAFETY
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 4,435 work zone crashes in Ohio last year, 34% of these crashes occurred with workers present. Sadly, 21 people were killed in 17 deadly work zone crashes. Another 96 work zone crashes resulted in serious injuries.
Speeding and following too closely continue to be the top factors in work zone crashes. Troopers wrote 7,019 citations for speeding in work zones with 36% for speeds more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
On February 28, a vehicle drove onto a closed section of I-70 in downtown Columbus and struck Jordan Thomas, an employee of Kokosing Construction. Thomas, 25, died from his injuries. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and still has not been found. A reward of $110,000 has been offered for information leading to their arrest. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Tips can be reported anonymously.
