The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is rolling out a record $3.2 billion construction season in 2025, with over 950 projects statewide aimed at improving safety, reducing congestion and upgrading critical infrastructure.

Pamela Boratyn, ODOT director, spoke to the significance of the work in a statement.

"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,” she said.

Of that total, $400 million will fund southeastern Ohio projects, including the long-awaited Chesapeake Bypass along Route 7.

“This has been a project that’s been around over 20 years… but it’s been fully funded now, so it’s definitely coming,” said Mikaela Bruning of ODOT District 9, in a statement.

Phase two of the bypass includes a five-mile stretch from State Route 527 to State Route 775 and is expected to run through 2028.

In District 10, nearly half of the regional budget will expand US 33 between Athens and Meigs counties.

Eastern Ohio’s District 11 will see $168 million in upgrades, with 93 new projects, including resurfacing, bridge repairs and safety enhancements in counties such as Jefferson and Harrison.

As the construction season ramps up, ODOT is emphasizing work zone safety. Last year, Ohio recorded 4,000 work zone crashes. The agency’s “Not Just a Roadside Worker” campaign highlights the importance of Ohio’s Move Over Law.

“These folks have families to get home to,” said Lauren Borell, ODOT spokesperson, in a statement. “Motorists should watch out for our drivers, move over and slow down.”

Source: WSAZ News, Heraldstaronline.com