BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (March 15, 2023) – The Ohio Department of Transportation announced today that it expects to invest a record $2.5 billion into more than 1,000 projects during this year’s construction season to improve transportation and make Ohio’s roads safer across the state.

This year’s statewide construction program includes 31 new projects that are considered “major” with a value above $10 million. There are 190 safety projects aimed directly at reducing serious or deadly crashes. More than 5,700 miles of pavement will be improved, and 823 bridges will be repaired or replaced.

This construction season isn’t all about building new roads. About 95 cents of every dollar is being invested back into preserving existing roads and bridges.

In northwest Ohio, three projects were highlighted at kickoff events held in Findlay and Port Clinton.

Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director, said construction of two bridges in Hancock County to carry traffic over State Route 15 and eliminate the at-grade intersections at County Road 180 and County Road 169 displays the importance of partnership.

"The projects we're undertaking this year to eliminate two intersections where crashes continue to occur is the best example of state and local officials coming together to address a local issue," he said.

Other notable projects in northwest Ohio:

• The replacement of a bridge on U.S. 127 in Defiance County over the Maumee River. ODOT and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources have partnered to provide a new canoe launch at this bridge to provide public access to this scenic section of the Maumee River.
• A project on State Route 117 in the village of Westminster, Allen County, will resurface, and add sidewalks, lighting, and curb and gutter.
• Construction of a roundabout at State Route 108 and U.S. 24 in Henry County.
• Resurfacing and safety improvement project on U.S. Route 24/Anthony Wayne Trail, between Monclova Road and Detroit Avenue, Lucas County.
• Replacement of a bridge on Central Avenue (State Route 120) between Reynolds Road and Corey Road, Toledo/Ottawa Hills, over the Ottawa River.

For a complete listing of 2023 highway projects in northwest Ohio:

ODOT District 1 construction guide (Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot counties).

ODOT District 2 construction guide (Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams, and Wood counties).