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NEWS RELEASE

Ohio Department of Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    December 11, 2008

SUMMIT COUNTY 

CENTRAL INTERCHANGE PROJECT STATUS

ODOT is not currently moving forward with additional planning and design work on the Central Interchange project

In 2002 the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) began a comprehensive study of the I-76/ I-80 corridor in Northeast Ohio. That study identified needed improvements to the Central Interchange and adjacent freeways in Akron. In 2003 ODOT began the detailed planning, environmental and engineering studies needed to proceed with improvements to the Central Interchange. Public meetings were held in October, 2005 and March, 2006 to present the proposed improvements to the public and solicit comments regarding these proposals.

Since this study was undertaken in 2003 the transportation funding situation has changed significantly. Construction inflation in excess of 50% has resulted in substantially reduced purchasing power for available construction dollars. Increases in gasoline and diesel prices and the general economic climate have resulted in decreased fuel usage and fuel tax receipts. Due to these changes, less money is available to build new highways and upgrade older ones. The funding that is available is being focused on maintaining the existing road and bridge infrastructure under ODOT’s "fix-it-first" philosophy.

As a result of these changes, ODOT is not currently moving forward with additional planning and design work on the Central Interchange project. Since funding the construction of a project of this size appears unlikely in the foreseeable future, ODOT feels that it is not prudent to proceed with expensive project development work at this time. ODOT will continue to monitor the financial situation and periodically re-evaluate the wisdom of continuing the preliminary development of this project.

ODOT will continue to pursue short and medium term solutions to the problems identified in the studies. As a first step, ODOT, at the request of the City of Akron, is investigating closing the westbound entrance ramp from Wolf Ledges Parkway to Interstate 76. The public will be informed as this study progresses.

Questions and concerns regarding the Central Interchange can be directed to the ODOT District Four Web site (www.odotdistrict4.org) or by calling the District Four Public Information Office at (330) 786-2248.

 
 

 PDP Processes Details

 

Undertaking a major highway improvement follows ODOT’s Major Project Development Process (PDP). The Major PDP, shown on this graphic, has four phases, each with several steps. The initial phase for the Akron Central Interchange Project was the I-76/80 Corridor Study that identified problems on 11 miles of I-76 in Summit County and evaluated general concepts to address those problems. The recommendation was to improve the existing roadway. Click on the dark blue I-76/80 Corridor Study section of the loop to read that study and its conclusions.

In 2005, the second Major PDP phase, Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Compliance (P.E./E.C) began on 2.2 miles of the 11-mile segment. This is the Akron Central Interchange Project, from just west of Manchester Road, east, though the Central Interchange. The P.E./E.C. Phase covers Steps 5, 6 and 7 of the Major PDP. Step 5, the Conceptual Alternatives Study identified the general location and number of interchanges on I-76 in the projected area. Click on the blue segment of the P.E./E.C. section of the loop to review that study and its conclusions.

Major PDP Step 6, the Feasible Alternatives Analysis, is currently underway. Click on the red segment of the loop to read about the Feasible Alternatives Analysis. Major PDP Step 7, Develop Preferred Alterative is the last step in the P.E./E.C. phase. The project then moves into the Final Design phase which also includes right-of-way acquisition. When the construction plans are complete and all right-of-way purchased, the project moves into Construction. To read about Develop Preferred Alternative, Project Final Design and Project Construction, click on the appropriated green segment of the loop. Clicking on the brown boxes for each Major PDP step will provide information on the work conducted during that step.

ODOT Zephyr The Ohio Department of Transportation
1980 West Broad Street, Columbus Ohio, 43223
John R. Kasich, Governor | Jerry Wray, ODOT Director
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