COLUMBUS (June 29, 2007) - If you're planning on getting a jump on holiday travel this weekend, you're not alone. A historical analysis of traffic volumes by the Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT) traffic experts shows that when July 4th falls on a Wednesday, the biggest increase in traffic comes the weekend before. That means starting today, urban interstates could see a 4 to 6 percent rise in traffic volumes and rural highways could see a 7 to 10 percent increase in traffic.

As always, ODOT is taking extra steps to make travel this July 4th week as safe and efficient as possible. To keep traffic moving through the state's construction zones during peak travel times, ODOT works to open additional lanes of traffic and requires contractors to maintain at least two lanes of traffic in each direction where possible on the interstates. But some closures are unavoidable and motorists should always use caution when traveling through construction zones, even when it appears there is no work occurring. In addition, with extra traffic on the highways, motorists could experience congestion in unexpected areas, especially on rural highways.

Knowing where closures and construction zones are ahead of time can reduce frustration and delays for travelers. Motorists can get up-to-date construction, road condition and travel information at any time at www.buckeyetraffic.org. Here are highlights of the major projects that will impact the largest number of travelers this weekend.

Interstate 90, Lake County (Northeast Ohio)
Widening and rehabilitation of I-90 between SR 306 and SR 615. Traffic in both directions is shifted onto the westbound side of the roadway. The ramp from SR 615 to I-90 eastbound is closed for the construction season, as well as the rest area in the eastbound direction. While the permanent work zone remains in place, crews will not be active between noon Tuesday, July 3 and 6 a.m. Thursday, July 5.

Interstate 70/Interstate 75, Montgomery County (Western Ohio)
Reconstruction continues at the I-70/I-75 interchange just north of Dayton. Two lanes of traffic are maintained in each direction on I-70 through the interchange. I-75 is reduced to two lanes in each direction between U.S. 40 and just south of I-70.While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, there will be no additional lane closures Tuesday, July 3 through Thursday, July 5.

Interstate 275, Hamilton County (Southwest Ohio)
Rehabilitation of the roadway, pavement and 28 bridge structures on I-275 from just east of Winton Rd. to just east of U.S. 42. One lane of two-way traffic is maintained by a temporary traffic signal over the Chesterdale Rd. overpass. While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended for Wednesday, July 4 and there will be no additional lane closures.