Ohio Department of Transportation

UC To Help Ohio Shape Drone Investment Plans

By • Oct 8, 2020
Andrew Higley/UC Creative

The Ohio Department of Transportation has hired University of Cincinnati researchers and two consulting firms to study the economic impact of investing in technology to spur drone testing and deployment. The area of interest is along I-71 from Cincinnati to Cleveland.

Ohio Drivers Are Staying Home, And Helping Road Construction Crews

By • Apr 3, 2020
Courtesy of / ODOT

There have been questions about whether construction work is essential under Ohio's stay-at-home order. ODOT spokesman Matt Bruning says road construction and repair is absolutely essential.

ODOT Wrestles With Future Of Ohio's Transportation Systems

By editor • Jan 29, 2020

The head of the Ohio Department of Transportation says the state is at a crossroads with policy on how to move people and products around safely and efficiently.

Highway Hilarity: What's Up With Ohio's Cheeky Traffic Signs?

By & • Dec 31, 2019
Provided

Editor's note: This story first ran in April 2018. We are republishing it now because chances are you may see a sign while driving this holiday weekend that reads "Don't Drive Sauced, Leave It To The Cranberries," or "Visiting In-Laws? Slow Down Get There Late." The aim? To make you chuckle, yes, but also to drive safe. 

Glance at an electric overhead highway sign board this weekend in Ohio and you'll likely see an amusing message encouraging you not to text and drive.

"Texting and driving is not 'wreck-amended'" will run in honor of National Distracted Driving Month this April, though it won't be the first time the state's signs have gotten a little clever. 

Smart Lane Opens On I-670 In Columbus, And More May Be Coming

By • Oct 25, 2019

After several long months of construction, the I-670 innerbelt on Columbus’ east side is now open, with a first of its kind "Smart Lane".

Dozens Of Smaller Projects Make Up Eastern Corridor Plan

By • Aug 14, 2019
Provided / Ohio Department of Transportation

The Ohio Department of Transportation's effort to improve traffic flow through the Eastern Corridor has identified 68 projects between Red Bank and the Beechmont Levy to I-275. Mandi Dillon with ODOT says a plan released Wednesday is just the next step.

Wildflower Planting Project Is Saving Taxpayers Millions in Mowing

By • Jun 11, 2019

If you drive Ohio highways you may have noticed more flowers and taller grass on the side of the road.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has begun planting wildflowers along highways across the state with the goal of creating habitats for pollinators.

Each site requires $400 to get started, but ODOT press secretary Matt Bruning said the project will save Ohio taxpayers millions.

Free Bike Helmets Being Distributed Throughout Ohio: Here's Where To Get One

By • Apr 17, 2019
bike helmets
Karen Kasler / Ohio Public Radio

More than 9,000 bike helmets will be handed out for free this year thanks to a safety program called "Put a Lid On It" from ODOT and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Warmer Weather Means Ohio Can Finally Fix Potholes

By • Apr 9, 2019

Now that spring is finally here, Ohio’s road crews will be fixing potholes and pavement damaged over the winter. 

House Speaker Says He's Willing To Consider A Possible Gas Tax

By • Feb 7, 2019

The committee reviewing the financial situation facing the Ohio Department of Transportation heard testimony for a second day today – and is expected to release a report recommending funding solutions very soon. It seems likely that an increase in the gas tax will be part of it. The leader of the Ohio House says he’s willing to talk about it.

ODOT Director Says Agency Facing "Grim", "Dangerous" Financial Situation

By • Feb 5, 2019

The road ahead is rough for the Ohio Department of Transportation, according to the agency’s director.

ODOT Changing Out All Signs For First Time In Decades

By • Jan 16, 2019

The state department of transportation has a bigger job than usual in changing the 36 road signs at Ohio’s borders that feature the new governor’s name. 

Ohio Moves Ahead With Connected Vehicle Technology

By • Dec 10, 2018
ODOT

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), DriveOhio and the City of Marysville are ramping up what will be the largest-ever connected vehicle project in the U.S.

Eastern Corridor Project Seeks Public Input On New Connectivity Options

By • Oct 24, 2018
Provided / Ohio Department of Transportation

Work to improve connectivity between Hamilton and Clermont counties is continuing, but for now, planners need public input.

New Traffic Patterns Coming as Central Interchange Project Progresses

By & • Oct 8, 2018

Motorists should look out for new traffic patterns as the I-76 Main Broadway Project continues in Akron.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is currently about halfway through the $84 million project. By the July of 2020 completion date, motorists should expect the permanent closure of the Grant Street and Wolf Ledges entrance and exit ramps to the highway.

Ohio Curbs Wrong-Way Drivers With New Technology

By • Aug 7, 2018
Courtesy of ODOT

Ohio is trying something new in an effort to stop drivers from going the wrong direction on highway exit ramps.

Harsh Winter Means ODOT Getting More Pothole Claims

By • May 3, 2018

Last year, the Ohio Department of Transportation received 364 claims for reimbursement to repair vehicles damaged by potholes. 

What Bats Have To Do With Cut Down Trees At The Jeremiah Morrow Bridge Rest Areas

By • May 1, 2018
Tana Weingartner / WVXU

Someone cut down a bunch of trees a few months ago at the north and southbound rest areas along I-71 near the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge. The remains lay scattered where they fell. Why were they taken down and why are they still there?

These I-71 Rest Areas Are Closing For Reconstruction

By • Apr 30, 2018
Ohio Department of Transportation

The rest areas along Interstate 71 in Warren County near the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge are closing for reconstruction. They're scheduled to reopen in spring or summer 2019.

Here's Where You'll Find Ohio's Orange Barrels This Summer

By • Apr 3, 2018
ODOT Region 8

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) plans to spend $2.35 billion on roads and bridges this year. That includes replacing more than 5,600 miles of pavement.

Robert Redford Movie Starts Filming In Bethel

By • Apr 4, 2017
Wikipedia

Oscar winners Casey Affleck, Robert Redford and Cissy Spacek will be in Bethel Tuesday to start filming "The Old Man and The Gun."

Ohio's Tallest Bridge Modernized

By • Nov 18, 2016
Ohio Department of Transportation

Friday morning the Ohio Department of Transportation will commemorate the completed construction of the state's tallest bridge, the Jeremiah Morrow on I-71 north of Lebanon.

Hamilton, Clermont Counties Are 'Hotspots' For Deer-Vehicle Collisions

By • Oct 5, 2015
File Photo

More than 900 deer strikes were reported to law enforcement in Clermont and Hamilton counties last year, putting the two on the state's list of collision hotspots.

Lytle Tunnel Project Begins This Week

By • May 25, 2015
Mark Heyne / WVXU News

Construction work begins Tuesday on a $30 million project to improve the Lytle Tunnel in downtown Cincinnati.  It will mean lane restrictions and periodic weekend shutdowns of the interstate for the next two years.

Ohio enters largest-ever road construction season

By Mark Heyne • Apr 10, 2014
Mark Heyne / WVXU News

You know spring has really arrived when orange barrel season officially gets underway.  Ohio and local transportation officials got it rolling Thursday with a news conference at the corner of Fields-Ertel and Mason-Montgomery, a congested intersection next to I-71 that is slated for a loop ramp to make it easier and safer for drivers to navigate.    

The interchange project is one of many the Ohio Department of Transportation said will make this state construction season the largest ever and put a lot of Ohioans back to work.

I-71 bridge work expected to cause delays

By Mark Heyne • Jan 14, 2014

Pavement repair work on the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge in Warren County could cause some lengthy traffic delays the next couple of mornings. 

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the work will require the closure of the left lane of 71 southbound at the bridge from 7:30 until noon Wednesday and Thursday.  

ODOT is encouraging  motorists to seek an alternate route.

Find out where you can drive 70 mph in July

By • May 21, 2013
ODOT / Provided

Beginning July 1, the speed limit on some Ohio interstates increases to 70 mph. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is making some new signs and updating others with the new limit. The cost is $8,287.19.

ODOT outlines the new speed zones below. You can also click here for a large map.

Interstate 70

ODOT launches one of the 'largest construction season to date'

By • Apr 10, 2013
Tana Weingartner / WVXU

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is officially making it every driver's favorite time of year by kicking off construction season Wednesday.

The state is working on nearly a thousand projects totaling an estimated $2.3 billion.

Camp Washington Business Association Executive Director Joe Gorman says his community is excited about plans to upgrade the Hopple Street - I-75 interchange.