Six-Year Project Underway on Ohio I-70 Segment
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In an effort to improve travel for truckers and passenger vehicle drivers, the Ohio Department of Transportation has started work on a project to reconstruct Interstate 70 in Zanesville.
Located about 55 miles east of Columbus, Zanesville straddles a segment of I-70, a major east-west corridor that runs from Utah to Maryland.
The $88 million project will involve resurfacing I-70 between its intersections with U.S. Route 40 and state Route 93. Additionally, 16 bridges will be improved, including the structures that span the Licking and Muskingum rivers.
THE LOOP: Rebuilding I-70 in Zanesville, teamwork helps restore a traffic signal in Pike County, and a focus on walking and biking. https://t.co/QhoxXFEyU5 pic.twitter.com/eSXpKpObjj — Ohio Dept of Transportation (@ODOT_Statewide) July 23, 2021
This corridor is important for trucking in Ohio. According to ODOT, 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles use this stretch of interstate daily, about a quarter of which are trucks.
“This work will not only benefit local residents and drivers, but also the high volume of trucks and commerce that use this key corridor,” ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks said.
Marchbanks
“The impact of this investment in central Ohio will be felt across the state in terms of the safe and easy movement for commuters and freight haulers alike,” he added.
Trucking is an important mode for freight movement in Ohio, which is one day’s truck drive from 60% of U.S. and Canadian population centers, including Chicago, New York City and Toronto. According to ODOT’s Transport Ohio Statewide Freight Plan, trucks make up about 13% of traffic on the state highway system. Average daily truck traffic on each Ohio interstate is about 10,500 vehicles. About 15,000 trucks travel per day on Ohio’s heaviest freight routes, which are interstates 70 and 75.
Loads for the Roads
Top commodities carried by truck in Ohio, based on weight:
• Base metals
• Gravel
• Waste
• Cereal grains
Source: Transport Ohio Statewide Freight Plan
Construction work on the I-70 project will be performed by Shelly & Sands Inc., which is headquartered in Zanesville. The pavement on this portion of I-70 was last upgraded about 25 years ago.
“We welcome the investment by the state of Ohio into our city, and we ask the public to be cautious and patient as Shelly & Sands rebuilds this aging infrastructure,” Zanesville Mayor Donald Mason said. “The city will work with our private and public sector partners as we endeavor to protect the motorists and workers from the beginning until the end of this epic project.”
During the daytime, two lanes of traffic in each direction will continue throughout the construction project, although drivers can expect inconveniences such as narrower lanes, temporary traffic patterns and a reduced speed limit. When workers are present, drivers will see flashing lights and the speed limit will be set at 45 mph. The speed limit will be 55 mph when no workers are present. Increased lane restrictions will be in place at night.
When this project is completed, it will be a wonderful asset to the city, county and the state of Ohio.
Shelly & Sands President Cole Graham
Shelly & Sands President Cole Graham asked that the public remain cautious and alert when traveling through the work zone.
“When this project is completed, it will be a wonderful asset to the city, county and the state of Ohio,” Graham said. “However, there will be traffic disruptions during the construction process.”
The project will involve four phases and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027. During all phases, some point of access will be maintained for travelers entering and exiting the eastbound and westbound directions of I-70.
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