ODOT Officially Kicks Off $2.5 Billion 2008-2009 Construction Season
Improving for today…connecting to tomorrow

COLUMBUS (April, 2008) –  Standing in front of the construction equipment that will soon be used to modernize Interstate 75 through downtown Dayton, the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officially kicked off the department’s historic 2008-2009 Construction Season, highlighted by nearly 1,000 different construction projects all across Ohio, with a total investment by the state of $2.5 billion.

“Over the next year and a half, ODOT plans to oversee $2.5 billion in construction contract awards – the largest amount ever awarded in that time frame,” said Director James Beasley. “We are investing in what truly matters to Ohio, targeting the state’s resources at our greatest needs and our greatest opportunities.”

Topping the statewide list of construction projects are 80 interstate construction projects totaling approximately $605 million and 823 paving and rehabilitation projects on state and U.S. routes totaling more than $1.1 billion.

Other highlights of the 2008-2009 ODOT construction season include:

• The largest state project set to sell is a major reconstruction project in Warren County on I-75 between the city of Middletown and the Montgomery county line. The $154.5 million project includes the addition of an extra lane of traffic in both directions. This will complement work already underway on I-75 in Butler County north to State Route 122.
• The second-largest project set to sell is the modernization of State Route 2 along Lake Erie, adding capacity to one of the Cleveland area’s most heavily traveled thoroughfares stretching across Eastlake, Willoughby, and Mentor.
• Work is well underway on I-75 in Dayton to realign the interstate at State Route 4, removing dangerous ramps and reducing crossover traffic. ODOT is also deploying new traffic monitoring equipment which will warn motorists of congestion in the construction zone.
• Work will be completed this year on the State Route 161 widening project from the eastern edge of Franklin County to Licking County. In recent years, the SR 161 corridor has become a vital link to commuters and communities in Franklin, Delaware, and Licking counties. It’s also becoming one of the most congested.

In addition to showcasing the state’s largest and more unique projects, the event also spotlighted the department’s efforts to envision a multi-modal transportation system – connecting highways, aviation, railroads, waterways and transit – for Ohio’s future.

“In the coming days, we will be announcing the launch of Ohio’s 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force,” added Director Beasley. “We will bring all Ohioans to the table to determine our transportation priorities: balancing the movement of people and freight, promoting safety and reducing congestion, creating jobs and encouraging responsible growth, helping build sustainable communities, and linking all our modes to meet our mission.”

Director Beasley also pointed out that the task force will be charged with identifying the fairest way to finance Ohio’s transportation system of the future, finding new funding tools for state and local governments, and innovative ways to partner with the private sector.

Up-to-date information about the 2008 construction season can be found at www.buckeyetraffic.org. ODOT is also distributing its 2008 Interstate Construction Brochure, a useful tool to help motorists plan ahead for local and statewide travel.