Ohio DOT Prepares for Major 2026 Construction Season

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is gearing up for a substantial construction season in 2026, with a total investment of $3.4 billion. This initiative will encompass 977 projects across the state, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and improving safety for drivers.

Project Scope: Bridges and Roadways

The planned construction will focus on significant improvements to Ohio’s transportation network. Specifically, 739 bridges are scheduled for upgrades, alongside approximately 4,562 miles of roadway improvements statewide. These projects are designed to address aging infrastructure and accommodate increasing traffic demands.

Central Ohio Projects Highlighted

Union County Safety Improvements

Central Ohio is set to receive a significant portion of the funding, with 129 projects planned, totaling over $300 million. A key project in Union County will focus on enhancing safety at the intersection of U.S. 42 and Industrial Parkway, with a budget of $7.9 million.

This project will include the addition of turn lanes on all approaches to the intersection. U.S. 42 will also be widened to five lanes between Industrial Parkway and U.S. 33. Tony Turowski, ODOT District 6 deputy director, explained the need for the expansion: “Union County is growing. It just needs to be a lot wider, both for safety’s sake and to get people to their homes.”

Local Resident Concerns

Local resident Schlosser expressed concerns about the impact of growth on the area’s rural character, stating, “They’re taking away the country.” He also noted the existing traffic congestion: “It’s just gotten worse and worse…They’re backed up and cleared to the fire station.” He also mentioned personally selling part of his property to the state for the construction.

Work Zone Safety Reminders

As construction activity increases, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to exercise caution in work zones. In 2023, there were 4,435 work zone crashes in Ohio, with workers present in 34% of those incidents.

Josh Sturgeon, the ODOT District 5 Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of responsible driving: “With the presence and proliferation of construction projects, we ask motorists to please be responsible when they approach and drive through our work zones. Mind the posted speed limits. They’re there for a reason.”

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