AASHTO Journal - Ohio DOT Says ‘Record’ Construction Season Set for 2023

The Ohio Department of Transportation expects to invest $2.5 billion into more than 1,000 projects during the 2023 construction season to improve the state’s transportation network – a record level of investment, according to the agency.

[Above photo by the Ohio DOT]

“There is no better place to be than right here in Ohio, and these new projects will help us keep our infrastructure in a good state of repair,” said Governor Mike DeWine (R) in a statement. “Everyone in our state benefits from safe roads, and I am looking forward to seeing the end results of this year’s roadway improvement projects.”

The agency said the 2023 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.

“These investments are made possible by hard-working Ohioans who use these roads and bridges every day to get to work, school, medical appointments, and family vacations,” added Ohio DOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “It is our duty to ensure the resources entrusted to us are used wisely.”

The Ohio DOT has also making significant investments in transportation safety statewide over the last several months.

In January, the agency – along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol or OHSP – began work to establish another Distracted Driving Safety Corridor along a section of I-77 between state Route 18 and state Route 21 in northern Summit County.

Ohio DOT and OHSP also operated similar anti-distracted driving corridors in Belmont County and central Ohio’s Licking County as well.

In November 2022, the agency begin funding $121 million in new statewide traffic safety projects, including the installation of some 24 roundabouts in numerous Ohio counties.

Overall, that funding will support project development, right-of-way, and construction of 50 projects in 32 counties across the state. In addition to the roundabout projects, other safety projects include pedestrian crossings, traffic signal upgrades, and turning lane improvements, the agency noted.

Additionally in November 2022, Ohio DOT – again with OSHP, the Ohio Department of Education, and several private sector entities – collaborated to create new highly reflective “STOP” decals for the rear of every school bus in the state.

Made by the Ohio DOT Sign Shop at no cost to the schools, the signage should help the state’s 20,000-some school buses be more visible in both daylight and at nighttime.