ODOT Unveils 2025 Construction Program for Northeast Ohio
172 new projects for 2025, valued at $898 million
AKRON – Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials in northeast Ohio announced a $1.5 billion investment into 213 projects in 17 counties during the 2025 construction season.
“We know that drivers see ODOT’s orange barrels and cones as an inconvenience, but they are also a signal of progress and improvement,” said Governor DeWine. “This year’s transportation projects will continue to ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace, improving the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Ohio.”
Officials highlighted the ongoing SR 8 Hi-Level Bridge replacement project in the city of Akron, where work continues to construct the first of two hi-level bridges over the Little Cuyahoga River. This year crews will continue to construct the southbound bridge, with the primary focus being the bridge deck, or driving surface. Throughout the summer, a series of six bridge deck pours will occur with the goal of opening the bridge to traffic in late fall.
In Cuyahoga County, work has begun on a project to replace the bridge deck on SR 176 north ramp to I-71 south, W.14th St. and Steel Yard Rd. The ramp will remain closed through November.
Work continues on the SR 21 major rehabilitation project in Wayne County between the Stark and Summit county lines. In late March all traffic was shifted onto the northbound lanes, so work could take place to remove and replace the southbound pavement and other bridge, barrier, guardrail, and lighting work.
"This year we will see a very significant investment in our transportation infrastructure—one that will improve safety, reduce traffic fatalities, and keep people and goods moving efficiently,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Every project we break ground on is a step toward a stronger, safer, and more connected future for Ohio.”
Of the 213 projects that will be active this year, 172 are new for 2025 and valued at $898 million.
NORTHEAST OHIO NEW PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Statewide, the Ohio Department of Transportation is launching a $3.2 billion construction season. This includes 955 projects, 38 of them considered “major” with a value above $10 million, across the state. As always, safety continues to be the lead focus for ODOT. Ohio boasts one of the largest safety programs, per capita, of any state in the United States.
To view a complete list of projects in each county, check out the online ODOT Construction Guide.
You can stay up to date on construction across the state by signing up for weekly bulletins or visiting the projects page on the ODOT website. You can also see where work might
impact your commute or trip at OHGO.com.
WORK ZONE SAFETY
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 4,000 work zone crashes in Ohio last year and 35% of these crashes occurred with workers present. Sadly, 22 people were killed in 21 deadly work zone crashes. Another 123 were seriously injured in 97 work zone crashes.
Speeding and following too closely continue to be the top factors in work zone crashes. Troopers wrote 8,396 citations for speeding in work zones with 29% for speeds more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
Last summer, ODOT and the Ohio State Highway Patrol teamed up for Operation Cone Zone, an increased enforcement effort in work zones. This initiative resulted in lower numbers of crashes and fatalities compared to 2023.
ODOT also launched a new safety campaign, Not Just A Roadside Worker, to remind drivers about the importance of Ohio’s Move Over Law. ODOT employees, vehicles, and equipment were struck 84 times last year.
National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual event to remind motorists to be extra alert in work zones, will be observed April 21-25. It will be hosted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Work zone safety is not just about making sure roadway workers make it home safe at the end of the day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 742 drivers and their passengers died in work zone-related crashes in 2022 – the latest year available. There were 94 highway workers killed that same year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Available for download:
2025 Northeast Ohio Construction Kickoff Fact Sheet
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