Ohio 13, June 22, 2024

Akron Beltway Project Is Largest in District 4 History

ODOT photo

In an effort to enhance transportation around the Akron Beltway, crews in Summit County, Ohio, are overseeing the pavement reconstruction of portions of I-76, I-77 and SR 8, as well as construction of two new flyover ramps at the Central Interchange.

By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT

In an effort to enhance transportation around the Akron Beltway, crews in Summit County, Ohio, are overseeing the pavement reconstruction of portions of I-76, I-77 and SR 8, as well as construction of two new flyover ramps at the Central Interchange. The $161 million dollar project is the largest ever for the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) District 4.

“This project will dramatically improve pavement and safety conditions throughout these routes, providing a much smoother ride for the motorists of northeast Ohio for many years to come,” said Ray Marsch, ODOT District 4 public information officer.

“The new ramps are from I-76 eastbound to SR 8

northbound [which opened last fall], and the ramp from I-76 westbound to I-77 southbound. These ramps provide a greater turn radius than before and allow vehicles to travel at an improved speed.”

More than 100,000 vehicles drive across the Akron Beltway each day, with typical interruptions to traffic flow during construction.

“I-77 southbound between SR 8 and U.S. 224 is reduced to two lanes,” said Marsch. “Closed through late fall 2024 is the ramp from I-77 south to I-277 west, as well as the ramp from I-76/U.S. 224 eastbound to I-76/Kenmore Leg northbound.”

Other closures include, but are not limited to, the ramp from South Street to I-76 eastbound and the ramp from I-76/Kenmore Leg northbound to I-76 eastbound/I-77 southbound.

see AKRON page 6

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ODOT photo

Crews build the new bridge on I-77 southbound / I-76 eastbound at Bowery Street.

ODOT’s TRAC Signs Off On Funding for 18 Major Projects

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) has approved investing $127.3 million for 18 major transportation projects in 13 counties over the next four years.

The approved list includes $21 million in new construction funding, $35.5 million in additional funding for construction, $33.4 million in new funding for preliminary engineering and $28.4 million in additional funding for development of projects.

“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, these projects will help ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “These projects represent an ongoing investment to ensure people and goods can safely and efficiently move throughout Ohio.”

TRAC approves funding from ODOT's Major New Capacity Program. While most of the funding is going toward construction and development of road and highway projects, $15 million has been awarded to the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to implement bus rapid transit along a 9-mi. corridor of West Broad Street (US 40) in Columbus.

“Our mission is to provide Ohio with a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained and positioned for the future. By advancing these projects, we’re fulfilling that mission,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.

Applications for TRAC funding can be submitted by ODOT districts, metropolitan planning organizations, county engineers,

mended for construction during the upcoming four-year construction period.

transit authorities, county commissioners, municipalities, port authorities or transportation improvement districts. To qualify, projects must improve capacity or reduce congestion and have an overall cost of more than $12 million. The 18 projects selected this year were among 28 applications submitted.

TRAC operates on an annual application cycle. The next application cycle begins on May 1, 2024 and ends on May 31, 2024. At the completion of the application process, TRAC members vote on the approval of the Major New Construction Program List of funding commitments for preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way and project construction. Projects receiving funding commitments are placed into three "tiers" based upon the level of project development:

• Tier I — The group of projects recom-

• Tier II — The group of projects recommended for additional environmental, design or rightof-way development activities necessary before the projects would be available for construction.

• Tier III — The group of projects with previous phases funded for construction in Tier I. Projects placed in Tier III status are part of a longrange funding plan to advance multiple phase projects.

About TRAC

The Transportation Review Advisory Council was established by Ohio Revised Code in 1997 to help the Ohio Department of Transportation develop and modify a project selection process which approves funding for the development and construction of the Major New Capacity Program.

The TRAC has nine members and is chaired by the director of ODOT. Six members are appointed by the governor and one each by the speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the president of the Ohio Senate. Members have overlapping terms.

The director provides funds for new construction only after assuring that system preservation needs have been met. The use of the new construction funds is the responsibility of the TRAC, but the TRAC does not have authority over other aspects of the Department of Transportation. 

Miller Brothers Wins Bid for County Road 99 Interchange

Miller Brothers Construction of Archbold is the apparent, successful low bidder for the contract to construct a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at County Road 99 and Interstate 75, in Findlay.

The successful bid was $30.8 million.

The contract is expected to be officially awarded once a review of the bidding documents is complete. Construction will begin early this spring and conclude in 2026. The specific schedule will be finalized once the contract has officially been awarded.

“This project ensures the expected economic growth in this area of the county will be supported by the infrastructure,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director.

He cited the support of officials with the city of Findlay and Hancock County as critically important in moving the project forward. “We’re grateful to the city and county for seeing the need for a modern interchange design at this location,” he said.

A public meeting to share the construction sched-

ule and traffic impacts will be held in April. Details will be announced when finalized.

The project will construct an additional bridge to the south of the existing County Road 99 bridge over I-75. The new structure will provide three westbound lanes. Additional improvements will be made along the County Road 99 corridor at the intersections with Technology Drive, Speedway Drive and Ventura Drive. A shared-use path for bike and pedestrian traffic will be constructed along the south side of County Road 99 and will utilize the original bridge structure for crossing over I-75.

A DDI shifts the eastbound and westbound traffic to the other side of the bridge at signalized crossovers, which eliminates left turns across traffic and the leftturn traffic signal phase. The benefit is that all traffic can enter the interstate in a free-flow movement to the ramps.

For more information, visit transportation.ohio.gov. 

ODOT photo

Ohio DOT photo

Construction of a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) on County Road 99 at Interstate 75, in Findlay, will begin this spring.

Mild Winters Help Keep Akron Beltway Project On Schedule

Ruhlin/Shelly and Sands Joint Venture is the prime contractor on the project, which began in 2021 and should be completed late next year. According to ODOT engineer Raymond Fridley, project manager, the undertaking required a great deal of planning.

“A lot of preparation, thoughtfulness and communication is required to successfully implement more than 25 different phases of traffic in a safe manner for both the workers and traveling public.”

Crews will be opening the new I-76 westbound to I-77 southbound ramp in November. Tasks remaining for workers include pavement replacement of I77 southbound/I-76 eastbound from Vernon Odom Boulevard to Princeton Street, along with full roadway reconstruction of I-77 southbound between SR 8 and U.S. 224.

Fridley said performing pavement replacement involves milling off variable depth asphalt overlays that exist on top of the existing concrete pavement, breaking up and removing concrete pavement (typically 10-in. thickness), placing aggregate base and laying asphalt base, intermediate course of asphalt and surface course of asphalt.

Currently, crews are resurfacing I-77 southbound/ I-76 eastbound between Vernon Odom Boulevard and Princeton Street, as well as I-77 southbound between SR 8 and U.S. 224.

Teams are actively working on building the new ramp from I-76 westbound to I-77 southbound.

To complete the project, roughly 65 lane mi. of asphalt are being placed. Fridley said site work and excavation have involved pouring more than 39,000 cu. yds. of concrete and placing 121,000 tons of 304 stone.

Fortunately for crew members, outdoor conditions have worked in their favor.

“The mild winters the past two years have been beneficial to the project. It allowed workers to install drainage throughout the winters and keep moving forward with bridge replacements. The work is currently on schedule.”

Heavy equipment being used on the project includes several 336 excavators or similar; D7 bulldozers or similar; Moxy trucks; finish graders; cement stabilization reclaimers; and concrete pump trucks.

Fridley said it’s extremely rewarding to be able to improve travel conditions for countless drivers, once the Interstate 76/Interstate77/SR 8 Akron Beltway improvements are complete.

“It will be quite fulfilling. The existing roadway needs to be replaced, as it’s at the end of its useful life. The traveling public and residents will have a smooth ride throughout the Akron Beltway for years to come.”  CEG

AKRON from page 1

ODOT photo

The new ramp from I-76 westbound to I-77 southbound is being built.

ODOT photo

Crews replace pavement along I-77 southbound at Wilbeth Drive.

ODOT photo

The new ramp from I-76 eastbound to SR 8 northbound.

ODOT photo

Work on I-77 southbound continues.

Federal, State Grants...

Cleveland Port Secures $32M for Modernization, Sustainability

The Port of Cleveland took a significant stride toward the future as its board approved the allocation of more than $32 million in federal and state grants to help rehabilitate and modernize a key warehouse and upgrade electrical infrastructure at its General Cargo Terminal. This strategic move will ensure ongoing efficiency of Port facilities and prepare the Port for upcoming electrification efforts.

William Friedman, Port president and CEO, said the investments were critical to successful port operations as well as sustainability.

“These initiatives stand as a testament to our commitment to sustainable practices,” Friedman said. “True environmental stewardship requires translating words into meaningful, concrete actions. Through these measures approved today, we are actively decarbonizing and forging a path toward a greener and more sustainable future.”

The undertaking is part of a broader investment of $93.8 million in Port infrastructure since 2015, with more than 75 percent of it covered by state and federal grants. Aligned with the Port’s recently implemented Climate Action Plan, the overarching goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, making Cleveland the first Great Lakes port to adopt such an ambitious plan.

The grants for these projects include:

• $27.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program to improve safety, efficiency and reliability of movement in and around the Port.

• $4.9 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Maritime Assistance Program for projects enhancing efficiency and capacity of cargo terminal operations.

The funds will be allocated toward:

• Comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization of the terminal’s largest warehouse, Warehouse A, including structural steel repairs, a new overhead crane, window replacements, new concrete slab, updated lighting and a new roof. Friedman said Warehouse A, over 50 years old, can’t accommodate evolving technology the Port needs for successful operations.

• Development of an Electrification Master Plan and installation of new terminal electric feed in collaboration with Cleveland Public Power, which has been an integral partner in providing technical expertise and planning for sufficient capacity for the Port’s electrification goals.

Friedman highlighted the importance of the new electric distribution hub, which will lay the foundation for future electrification efforts, including cargo handling equipment, charging stations, switching locomotives, ships when docked at the Port, mobile harbor cranes and potential solar arrays on the warehouse roofs.

• Stormwater collection and treatment infrastructure to ensure the quality of stormwater discharging into Lake Erie, building resiliency to climate change impacts such as increased storm intensity and heavy rainfalls.

• Construction of a new learning center for students from Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Davis Aviation & Maritime High School.

• Reconstruction of two smaller buildings on the terminal as warehouse annexes, opening cargo traveling lanes and freeing up additional cargo laydown space.

To begin executing this ambitious project, the Port board also authorized an engineering design contract with Jacobs Engineering Group for the project. Jacobs was selected

through a competitive process.

The Port received letters of support for the federal funds from Sen. Sherrod Brown and Reps. David Joyce, Shontel Brown and Marcy Kaptur and former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan.

Sen. Brown wrote in a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg: “The Port is an economic engine for the community, a key to Northeast Ohio’s global competitiveness and a partner in building the region’s future. This project will work to increase the port’s efficiency in cargo movement with much needed improvements around

the warehouse. It will also enable a more energy efficient warehouse, which will help greatly decrease carbon emissions.”

Board Chair J. Stefan Holmes expressed sincere appreciation to both the U.S. and Ohio Departments of Transportation for their generous grants and their recognition of the vital significance of the ongoing projects at the Port. “It is through collaborative partnerships such as these that we can fortify our position for sustained success in the years ahead,” he emphasized. 