ODOT Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Update

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Thanksgiving is a historically busy time for holiday travel, and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) wants highway motorists to know their routes as they venture out during this annual celebration.
Last year, urban interstate highways saw slight increases in traffic volumes before and after the holiday, but traffic volumes on rural interstate highways the Wednesday before Thanksgiving rose by 53 percent over the average Wednesday in November. They rose again by 59 percent on those highways over the average Sunday in November following the holiday.

There were 3,080 auto accidents during the five-day Thanksgiving travel period in 2008, with 681 crashes causing injuries and 13 resulting in fatalities.

Drivers can avoid tragedy and reach their destinations faster by being prepared for holiday travel: ODOT encourages motorists to Know Before You Go!  Know which highway routes are open and which routes have construction zones that can affect your progress.

ODOT’s premier website, http://www.BuckeyeTraffic.org, offers up-to-the-minute information and a user-friendly map on work zone locations, traffic congestion alerts, road closures, weather conditions, and Highway Patrol accident updates; all available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The following is a list of major highway construction projects with various lane restrictions across the state.
Lane Restrictions/Closures in Northwestern Ohio

U.S. Route 20, Wood and Sandusky counties
U.S. 20, from Bush St. in to Bradner Rd., is reduced to one narrower lane in each direction a as part of the major widening project. Although permanent lane restrictions will remain in place, work will be suspended over the holiday. All work is weather permitting. Completion date: December 2009.

U.S. Route 24, Lucas and Henry counties
U.S. 24, from I-475 to Dutch Rd. is reduced to one lane in each direction until October 2011 as part of the major construction of a newly aligned four-lane divided highway on U.S. 24, from Toledo to Napoleon. Various county roads, along the new U.S. 24 alignment are closed in Lucas and Henry counties. While permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work will be suspended over the holiday.  Completion date:  November 2012. 

Interstate 280 Trench, Lucas County
The Craig Bridge is closed to traffic and pedestrians through December 2009 for the realignment of Front St. and Summit St. to intersect with the Craig Bridge.  A detour is posted. Work includes filling the existing I-280 trench and reconnecting city streets in Toledo.  While permanent lane restrictions will remain in place, work is suspended over the holiday, and there will be no additional lane restrictions. Completion date: November 2010.

Interstate 475, Lucas County
The Auburn Ave. Bridge over I-475 is closed to pedestrians and traffic until October 2010 as part of the I-475/I-75 widening project.  A detour is posted.  While the permanent work zones remain in place, work will be suspended over the holiday. Completion date:  October 2010.

Interstate 475, Lucas County
Salisbury Rd. /Dussel Dr., from Manley Rd. to Osage Dr., is reduced to one lane in each direction, with turn lanes at intersections and access to ramps to and from I-475 open through 2011. These restrictions are a necessary part of the bridge over I-475 reconstruction and the widening of Salisbury Rd. /Dussel Dr. project. Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project.  While the permanent work zones remain in place, work will be suspended over the holiday. Completion date: November 2011.

OPENED IN NORTHWESTERN OHIO IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

U.S. Route 24, Paulding, Defiance and Henry counties
The latest stretches of the U.S. 24 Fort to Port project, connecting SR 101 in Indiana to Napoleon, are now open. The project called for modernizing and updating the roadway. With 23 miles of new roadway opened, ODOT is now more than halfway complete with the $402 million modernization and expansion of U.S. 24, which will stretch from the state line just outside of Antwerp to I-475 near Toledo. Roadway opened to the public on Oct. 29.

Interstate 75, Wood in Lucas counties
The three lanes of traffic and various ramps along I-75 from Wales Rd. to Erie St. are now open. Work resumes in spring of 2010.  Roadway and ramps opened to the public on Nov. 19.

Lane Restrictions/Closures in Northeastern Ohio

State Route 2, Lake County
SR 2 is undergoing modernization and lane addition work between SR 91 and Newell Creek/SR 306.  SR 2 traffic is maintained.  The following ramps are closed:

  *    SR 2 westbound exit ramp to Lost Nation Rd.;
  *    SR 2 westbound exit ramp to SR 306 north and southbound;
  *    Lost Nation Rd. northbound entrance ramp to SR 2 westbound; and
  *    Vine St. eastbound entrance ramp to SR 2 westbound.

Traffic on Lost Nation Rd. is maintained with one lane in each direction between Wood Rd. and Riverside Commons. Reeves Rd. at Lost Nation Rd. is closed. Detours are posted.  Permanent work zone restrictions remain in place over the holiday.  Completion date: October 2011.

State Route 4/State Route 98, Crawford County
SR 4/SR 98 (Sandusky Ave.), in the city of Bucyrus, is closed for through truck traffic as part of the resurfacing and streetscape project. .  A detour is posted.  Completion date: Oct. 15, 2010.

State Route 8, Summit County
SR 8, from SR 303 to south of Twinsburg Rd., has two lanes of traffic maintained in each direction at all times during the SR 8 major modernization project. Boston Mills Rd. at SR 8 is closed. A detour is posted. While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the holiday and there will be no additional lane closures. Completion date: June 2011.

State Route 11, Mahoning County
SR 11, between U.S. 224 and Western Reserve Rd., is reduced to one lane in each direction as part of the project to re-deck the twin bridges over Indian Run. Completion date: October 2010.

State Route 21, Stark County
SR 241, over SR 21 is reduced to one lane in each direction as part of the reconstruction of the bridge on the SR 241 project. The entrance ramp from SR 241 to SR 21 south is closed. A detour is posted. Permanent work zone restrictions remain in place over the holiday. Completion date: July 2010.

Interstate 77, Cuyahoga County
North and southbound traffic on I-77, between Wallings and Rockside roads has been shifted onto new pavement. The Rockside Rd. eastbound ramp to I-77 northbound is restricted to one, narrow lane.  Permanent work zone restrictions remain in place over the holiday. Completion date: October 2011.

Interstate 90, Cuyahoga County
The Innerbelt Bridge on I-90 in the city of Cleveland has been placed under weight restrictions and is reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction. The Ontario St. ramp to I-90 westbound and W. 14th St. entrance ramp to I-90 eastbound are both closed to all vehicles. Heavy truck traffic is being detoured to I-77 and I-490. Completion date: Nov. 30, 2009.

State Route 237 (Front Street), Cuyahoga County
Front St., between the CSX and Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks and just north of Depot St. is closed There is access to businesses north of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, from North Rocky River Dr. and Emerson Ave.. The roadway between Front St. and N. Rocky River Dr. is also closed for the duration of the project. Detours are posted. These closures are a necessary part of the project to create a grade separation to carry Front St. traffic over the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroad tracks and an access road.  Permanent work zone restrictions remain in place over the holiday. Completion date: Oct. 28, 2010.

OPENED IN NORTHEASTERN OHIO IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

U.S. Route 42, Ashland County
Southbound U.S. 42 over Claremont Ave. in Milton Township is now open following a bridge rehabilitation project. Roadway opened to the public on Nov. 24.
Interstate 71, Medina County
All lanes and ramps of I-71, from one-half mile north of Leroy Rd. to one mile north of the I-76 interchange are now open following major reconstruction and widening of I-71. Roadway opened to the public on Nov. 16.

Interstate 80, Mahoning County
All lanes of I-80 over the Meander Reservoir and between the Ohio Turnpike and the SR 11 interchange are now open following the widening of I-80 through Austintown Township and the construction of new twin bridges on I-80 over the reservoir. Roadway opened to the public on Nov. 6.

Interstate 480, Cuyahoga County
Crews have completed work to improve deteriorated ramps at the interchange of I-480 and W. 130th St. The I-480 westbound exit ramp to W. 130th St. is now open.  Ramp opened to the public on Nov. 20.

Lane Restrictions/Closures in Western Ohio

Interstate 75, Montgomery County
Southbound I-75 through downtown Dayton, from Stanley Ave. to Main St. has various lane restrictions. The posted speed limit through the work zone is reduced to 45 mph.  The Keowee and Leo St. ramps will permanently close to traffic at 11:00 p.m. on Nov. 23.  Traffic seeking direct access to I-75 northbound from the Main St. entrance ramp will be detoured, beginning at 5:00 a.m. No. 24 until fall 2010, for permanent realignment of I-75 through Dayton.  Traffic seeking access SR 4 northbound from I-75 northbound will be directed to use the Main St. exit ramp.  All detours are posted. Completion date: October 2011.

OPENED IN WESTERN OHIO IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Interstate 70/Interstate 75, Montgomery County
All lanes and ramps of the I-70/I-75 interchange just north of Dayton are now open. This $145 million project was one of the largest ever undertaken by ODOT. The work was completed in three phases over a period of seven years. Roadways opened to the public on Nov. 23.

Lane Restrictions/Closures in Central Ohio

State Route 161, Licking County
SR 161, from east of Watkins Rd. to Newark, is reduced to one lane of two-way traffic and maintained by temporary traffic signals as part of the major expansion of SR 161. The work includes several road alignment changes. Traffic traveling westbound will not be able to enter/exit at the York Rd. /SR 37 interchange. The detour for SR 37 west is the newly constructed eastbound passing lane to SR 310 north back to SR 37 west. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph. Several county and township roads are closed along the route. Completion date: spring 2010.

OPENED IN CENTRAL OHIO IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

International Gateway/Stelzer Road, Franklin County
Interchange construction at the intersection of International Gateway and Stelzer Rd. at Port Columbus International Airport has been completed. All lanes are now open. The work included relocating the International Gateway roadway and the reconstruction of a part of Stelzer Rd. to improve the connection to I-670.  The project also called for the construction of five new bridges along with the reconstruction of the I-670 ramp over Johnstown Rd. The improvements to the Columbus Airport will reduce congestion, improve safety and provide better access.  Roadways opened to the public on Nov. 16.

Lane Restrictions/Closures in Eastern Ohio

State Route 149, Belmont County
SR 149, west of the village of Bellaire, is reduced to one lane of two-way traffic and maintained by a temporary traffic signal as part of a relocation project. Completion date:  December 2009.

State Route 152, Jefferson County
SR 152, just north of TR 247 and west of the villages of Empire and Stratton, is reduced to one lane of two-way traffic and maintained by temporary traffic signals as part of a landslide repair project. Completion date: December 2009.

State Route 164, Carroll County
The SR 164 Bridge over Dining Fork Creek, three miles west of SR 9 at Kilgore, is reduced to one lane of two-way traffic and maintained by temporary traffic signals as part of the bridge repair project. Completion date:  December 2009.

State Route 211 (Tuscarawas Avenue), Tuscarawas County
The SR 211 (Tuscarawas Ave.) bridge is closed as part of a bridge replacement and highway modernization project. A detour is posted. Completion date:  November 2010.

Lane Restrictions/Closures in Southwestern Ohio

Interstate 75, Butler and Warren counties
SR 63, from Lawton Ave. to Senate Dr., is reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction as part of the major reconstruction of north and southbound I-75 from Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. in Butler County to SR 122 in Warren County. Work includes the rehabilitation and addition of a lane in each direction of I-75 through the project length and construction of a single point urban interchange at I-75/SR 63.  While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the weekend and there will be no additional lane closures. Completion date: June 2011.

Interstate 75 and State Route 122, Warren County
Northbound I-75, from SR 122 to the Warren/Montgomery county line, is reduced to three narrow lanes of traffic. SR 122, from Towne Blvd. to Union Rd., is reduced to one lane in each direction as work is being performed at the I-75/SR 122 interchange. These restrictions are part of the major reconstruction of both north and southbound I-75. The work includes the rehabilitation and addition of one lane in each direction of I-75 through the project length. In addition, the project will reconfigure the SR 122 interchange and replace the bridge on I-75 over SR 122 and the Pennyroyal Rd. Bridge over I-75. Union Rd. is closed. A detour is posted.  While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the weekend and there will be no additional lane closures. Completion date: June 2012.

Interstate 75, Hamilton County
I-75, from Paddock Rd. to Shepherd Lane, is reduced to three lanes of traffic in both directions while the roadway is undergoing three-lane resurfacing, bridge deck overlays and bridge painting on both northbound and southbound lanes.  While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the weekend and there will be no additional lane closures.  Completion date: July 2010.

Interstate 275, Hamilton County
Westbound I-275, from Kilby Rd. to Stevens Rd. is reduced to one lane as part of the major reconstruction of I-275, from the Indiana State line to the I-74 interchange. Work includes pavement repair and resurfacing, bridge overlays, parapet re-facing and bridge painting. Bridge decks are being poured and paved at night with the preparation work taking place during the day. While permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the weekend and there will be no additional lane closures. Completion date: September 2010.

Interstate 675, Greene County
I-675, from one-half mile south of SR 235 to the Clark County line, has been reduced to two lanes of traffic in each direction. These restrictions are a necessary part of the four-lane resurfacing of I-675 project.  The work includes resurfacing pavement on SR 444 at the I-675 interchange, as well as bridge and concrete pavement rehabilitation.  While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the weekend and there will be no additional lane closures.  Completion date:  June 2010.

OPENED IN SOUTHWESTERN OHIO IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Interstate 275, Hamilton County
Interstate 275 between U.S. 42 and Winton Rd. is fully open following major reconstruction. Roadway open to the public Nov. 5.

Lane Restrictions/Closures in Southern Ohio

State Route 32, Jackson County
SR 32, between County Rd. 22 (Cove Rd.) and Township Rd. 259 (Cutlip Rd.) and two miles east of the Jackson corporation limit, is reduced to one lane in each direction. These restrictions are part of the SR 32 resurfacing project. Completion date: Oct. 31, 2010.

U.S. Route 52, Scioto County
U.S. 52, between SR 139 at New Boston and SR 140 near the eastern corporation limit of Portsmouth, is reduced to one narrower lane in each direction for a bridge repair project. A reduced speed limit is posted through the construction zone. Completion date: spring 2010.

State Route 104, Ross County
SR 104, between U.S. 35/Pleasant Valley Rd. and SR 207, is reduced to one narrower lane in each direction for the major widening of SR 104 project at Chillicothe. Additional intermittent lane restrictions maintained by flaggers may be needed. Completion date: Oct. 31, 2010.

State Route 763, Brown County
SR 763, just north of the junction with SR 41, is reduced to one lane of two-way traffic and maintained by signing as part of the pavement and shoulder repairs necessary due to flooding.  Motorists who approach a closed section of the route must yield to oncoming traffic. Completion date: winter 2009.

OPENED IN SOUTHERN OHIO IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

State Route 32, Jackson County
Construction for a rehabilitation and resurfacing project on S.R. 32, between CR 22 (Cove Rd.) and TR 259 (Cutlip Rd.), has been suspended for the winter months, and all lane restrictions have been lifted. Roadway opened to the public on Nov. 19.

U.S. Route 52, Brown County
U.S. 52, one mile east of County Rd. 307 (Old A&P Rd.) and between Higginsport and Ripley is now open following a slip repair project. Roadway opened to the public on Nov. 6.

U.S. Route 52, Scioto County
U.S. 52, between the Adams County line and CR 97 (Lower Twin Rd.), is now open following a bridge replacement project. Roadway opened to the public on Nov. 18.

State Route 93, Jackson County
SR 93, just north of TR 340 (Dickens Rd.) and south of Oak Hill, is now open following a bridge replacement project. Roadway opened to the public on Nov. 17.

Lane Restrictions/Closures in Southeastern Ohio

State Route 7, Washington County
SR 7, through Reno, is reduced to one narrower lane in each direction and maintained by flaggers as part of the major widening of SR 7.  Completion date:  November 2009.

U.S. Route 33, Athens County
U.S. 33, just west of East State St., is reduced to one narrower lane in each direction as part of the U.S. 33 resurfacing project.  Completion date: October 2010.

U.S. Route 35, Gallia County
U.S. 35, located at the junction of U.S. 35 and CR 5 (Mill Creek), is restricted to one lane in each direction due to a slip. Completion date: December 31, 2009.

U.S. 50, Vinton County
U.S. 50 at the Ross County line is reduced to one lane of two-way traffic maintained by temporary traffic signals as part of the U.S. 50 pavement modernization project. Completion date: June 30, 2010.

State Route 50, Athens County
U.S. 50, from Albany Rd. to CR 52, is reduced to one lane in each direction as part of the resurfacing project. Completion date: October 2010.

State Route 124, Athens County
SR 124, just south of the Washington County line, is closed due to a significant slip. A detour is posted. Completion date: December 2009.

State Route 588, Gallia County
SR 588, located near the intersection of CR 73 (Canoe Livery), is reduced to one narrower lane of two-way traffic using temporary signals as part of a bridge deck replacement project. Completion date: December 2009.

State Route 682, Athens County
SR 682, one-half mile southeast of TR 245 (Porter Lane), is restricted is restricted to one lane of two-way traffic maintained with flaggers due to a major widening and resurfacing project through the Plains to construct a two-way left turn lane. Completion date: September 2010.