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Labor DAY TRAFFIC UPDATE
COLUMBUS
With the coming of the Labor Day weekend, state highways can see an
increase in traffic volumes. During the Friday and Saturday of the
Labor Day holiday weekend last year, traffic increased by around 10
percent both days on the states rural highways. With additional
traffic on the roads and construction season in full swing, travelers
should plan alternative routes or allow additional travel time due to
congestion and delays. Some road closures are unavoidable.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is taking extra steps
to make travel this holiday weekend as safe and efficient as possible.
To keep traffic moving through the states construction zones during
peak travel times, ODOT works to open additional lanes of traffic.
Contractors performing highway projects are required to maintain at
least two lanes of traffic in each direction where possible on the
interstates. Motorists should always use caution when traveling
through construction zones, even when it appears there is no work
occurring.
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
(a link to the complete statewide list of projects follows):
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. Crews are expected to work Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday,
Sept. 1. However, there will be no additional lane closures. Drivers are
advised to exercise caution while driving through these work zones.
Completion date: June 2008.
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. Motorists should use caution and
reduce their speed through this area. Expect congestion and possible
delays. While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place,
there will be no additional lane closures over the holiday weekend.
Completion date: summer 2009.
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 over the weekend and there will be no
additional lane closures. Completion date: fall 2010.
Click here for a full
list with complete descriptions of all of the currently active projects
on major routes across the state. |