Multi-Phase $650M Mill Creek Expressway Progresses
By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
With work split into more than a dozen phases, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has the challenging task of monitoring progress on I-75 Mill Creek Expressway construction in Hamilton County. A significant amount of work on the multi-year effort has already been completed, with crews currently focused on I-74/I-75 interchange improvements and a new pump station.
“This is a big project with many aspects and different phases, but so far things are going fairly smoothly with the project staying on target both timewise and monetarily,” said Elizabeth Lyons, ODOT public information officer of District 8. “With a project of this size, communicating the updates, closures and any changes is a constant effort, but we do our best to make sure the public understands what is going on, and that there’s more than one project out there. We use our traffic advisory distribution list, as well as our Facebook page and X account.”
The Mill Creek Expressway projects will widen and resurface I-75 between Paddock Road and the Western Hills Viaduct. Projects include interchange improvements at Hopple Street, I-74, Mitchell Avenue, Norwood Lateral and Paddock Road. Total project investments are estimated at between $550 million to $650 million.
Phase 8B involves building a new pump station and combined sewer overflow (CSO) for the widening of I75. Construction began in the summer of 2024 and should be completed in the fall of 2028. Phase 5B, meanwhile, reconfigures the southbound I-75 connection to westbound I-74 and calls for additional improvements to westbound I-74 with the addition of a thru lane on I-74 West between I-75 and the Montana Avenue interchange. Along with construction of a new ramp from I-75 South to I-74 West, the structures over Spring Grove Avenue, Elmore Street and Beekman Street will be rehabilitated.
see EXPRESSWAY page 4
ODOT/ Gary Middleton, project engineer photo
The Mill Creek Expressway projects will widen and resurface I-75 between Paddock Road and the Western Hills Viaduct. Total project investments are estimated at between $550 million to $650 million.
Great Lakes, Jurgensen Among Contractors for Expressway
Great Lakes Construction Company serves as contractor of Mill Creek Expressway I-75/I-74, with John R. Jurgensen Company responsible for Pump Station Phase 8B construction. Understandably, motorists are having to adjust as work continues.
“We do our best to keep traffic flowing in that area as much as possible,” Lyons said. “There are frequent lane closures for work, but we send out weekly traffic advisories to inform the public of any upcoming changes. We also use other tools such as social media, OHGO.com and message boards to alert drivers.
“Motorists seem to be adjusting well to the work in that area. We don’t hear many complaints, and the finished result will be a great benefit to the traveling public.”
While there’s a lot of activity to track, Lyons said it’s gratifying to witness what’s taking place.
“It’s great driving through that area and seeing all of the work being done, and how close things are getting to being complete. This is a major project on a major interstate. Knowing that its completion will create a safer, smoother commute that will handle traffic volumes well into the future is a great feeling.”
As for the biggest issue for crews on the $19 million Phase 8B, “The main challenge was redesigning the outlet of the pump station and combined sewer outflow [CSO] into the Mill Creek around an older MSD pipe,” said Sam Beyer, ODOT D8 construction area/office engineer. “There also have been some geotechnical challenges, with as many bores as there are on the project.”
Construction involves the installation of pipes under the existing roadways to begin rerouting flow.
“There are four runs of pipe that are bored underneath existing roadways/bridges. All other pipe is installed by digging down to the proper elevation. The contractor is utilizing temporary sheeting walls in areas with deep cuts.”
For excavation of the drainage detention system underground for the pump station, temporary sheeting was
rainstorm occurs and the pump can’t keep up.
For construction of the new pump house, in the infield of the Paddock off ramp, the majority of the work is taking place this winter into the summer, with everything online by the end of 2025.
Beyer noted the pumphouse plays a key role in completing the project.
“In a future piece of Phase 8, I-75 southbound will be lowered to a point where drainage would be going uphill to reach Mill Creek. The pump station allows the lowering to happen and for drainage to properly flow.”
The new CSO requires building two large headwalls off Mill Creek and running new pipe the length of I-75 SB back to the pumphouse. There also are temporary and permanent walls being installed in the area.
Beyer said he’s pleased with the progress being made by crews.
“Overall, with the redesign behind us, the work is moving as intended, and the project’s final completion date is still intact.”
Heavy machinery being used on the project includes boring equipment, dozers, excavators and dump trucks. Piping, sheeting, concrete and rebar also are needed to complete the work, along with miscellaneous materials for the pumphouse.
“This is a unique project for the DOT, involving vertical construction to build the pumphouse,” Beyer said. “It added some challenges, anticipating material lead time and finding appropriate personnel to inspect and build it.”
According to Gary Middleton, construction engineer of Omnipro Construction Services LLC., one of the biggest concerns on Phase 5B’s I-75/I-74 interchange reconstruction
Gary
Heavy machinery being used on Phase 5B includes cranes ranging from 35-ton to 250-ton capacity; track and rubber-tire excavators; skid loaders; backhoes; asphalt pavers; rollers; and asphalt material transfer machines.
completion timeframes.
Other challenges on the $87 million project include coordination of the bridge work over the CSX and NSR railroads, the magnitude of construction in relatively confined workspaces and the impact on workforce productivity/efficiency.
“Phase 5B work is progressing on schedule, as planned,” said Middleton. “There have not been any notable delays. The original project completion date has remained the same. Great Lakes Construction Company and its subcontractors are performing very well in terms of quality and completeness.”
Contract completion hasn’t changed from the original date of September 2025. The 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winters have been relatively mild, allowing for work to continue over both periods.
Middleton noted the flyover bridge opening from I-75 SB to I-74 WB (I-75 SB Exit 4), as well as the reconfigured Colerain — Beekman Ramps (I-74 WB Exit 18), did not experience any issues. The project used weekend closures in various maintenance traffic phases to place the newly constructed structure and reconfigured ramps into service. The I74 WB Exit 18 Ramps to Colerain-Beekman are fully open, following an overnight closure of the I-75 SB to I-74 WB ramp flyover bridge.
Heavy machinery being used on Phase 5B includes cranes ranging from 35-ton to 250-ton capacity; track and rubbertire excavators; skid loaders; backhoes; asphalt pavers; rollers; and asphalt material transfer machines. Horizontal directional drilling equipment also is on site, along with pile drivers, dump trucks and soil and aggregate compaction equipment.
EXPRESSWAY page 7
EXPRESSWAY from page 1
ODOT/
Middleton, project engineer photo
ODOT/ Gary Middleton, project engineer photo For excavation of the drainage detention system underground for the pump station, temporary sheeting was installed to dig the foundation.
Highway Infrastructure Improvements... ODOT Accomplishes Many Important Projects in 2024
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed 2024 having completed or initiated more than 300 projects to maintain or construct highway infrastructure and improve safety in northwest Ohio.
Approximately 90 contract projects totaling $560 million were managed in 2024. Another 200 or so projects were completed by ODOT’s own forces throughout the 16county region.
Major Construction
• Construction began in 2024 on an interchange reconstruction at County Road 99 and Interstate 75, Findlay, Hancock County. The project is replacing the existing traditional interchange with a diverging diamond interchange to improve traffic flow. The project will be completed in 2026.
• A bridge rehabilitation project on Lime City Road over I-75, Rossford, Lucas County, was substantially completed in 2024. The project raised and widened the bridge to accommodate a multi-use path. The bridge sustained significant damage in 2023 in a strike by an over-height load. The project was constructed under a designbuild contract method which resulted in the project being completed much faster than is typical.
• U.S. 68/State Route 15 interchange reconfiguration and roundabout construction, south of the city of Findlay, Hancock County, was completed in conjunction with the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District. The project supports a future flood mitigation project being undertaken by the conservancy district.
• Major milestones were reached in 2024 on the project that is widening I-475 from the Maumee River to Airport Highway and constructing a new diverging diamond interchange at U.S. 20A, Maumee, Lucas County. Late in 2024, the route was opened to three lanes in each direction. Work on the interchange is progressing and is expected to open in early 2025. The project utilized pre-tied epoxy-coated rebar mats for the first time in Ohio.
• A pavement rehabilitation, resurfacing and slope repair project was substantially completed on U.S. 24 in Defiance and Paulding counties. The slide repairs are complete and roughly 8 mi. of pavement have been cracked and paved up to the intermediate course.
• To complete the project in 2025, roughly 4 mi. of pavement remain to crack and pave up to the intermediate course, including ramps at Baltimore Street. The entire 11mi. zone will be paved with final surface course, and permanent striping, rumble strips, pavement reflectors and new signs throughout the work zone will be installed.
• A bridge on U.S. 127 over the Maumee River near Sherwood, Defiance County, was opened to traffic in May 2024. The project replaced a 1946 structure and added public river access for canoers and kayakers.
• The ribbon was cut on the Gateway to the Islands project which constructed a roundabout at the westbound State Route 2 to State Route 53 interchange and at the State Route 53 and State Road intersection, Port Clinton, Ottawa County. The project also added a two-way left-turn lane on State Route 53. Located in one of the state’s most popular tourist areas, the project was completed outside of the busy summer travel season.
Notable Work By ODOT’s Maintenance Workforce
• Replacement of 136 ft. of concrete drainage pipe along State Route 115 in Putnam County was performed by combined forces from ODOT District 1 and District 2. The project was completed in conjunction with the Putnam County Engineer’s office to reduce the occurrence of flooding along the route and improve motorists' safety.
• Numerous speed-related issues resulting in crashes, including multiple semirollovers, were occurring at the intersection of U.S. 127 and U.S. 20, Fulton County. Maintenance crews adjusted the signs and updated pavement markings under the guidance of the traffic safety engineering department. The shoulder on U.S. 127 was widened to allow wider turns for semi-tractors.
• Multiple dips in the pavement in the southbound direction at the Interstate 75/Interstate 280 split, Lucas County, was providing a rough ride for motorists. Combined crews from the ODOT Northwood, Lucas County and roadway services department milled out and repaved the areas. Pavement smoothness was substantially improved following the project.
Cleveland Wins Reconnecting Communities Program Grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced Jan. 10, that the city of Cleveland has been awarded nearly $70 million in Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program funding for the North Coast Connector project.
Since last year, the North Coast Connector has received more than $150 million in state and federal grant awards. The project was awarded a nearly $60 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in October 2024 and $20 million from the State Community Investment Fund in June 2024.
Cleveland’s North Coast graphic
their unwavering support and advocacy in securing this grant for our city,” said Bibb. “Their commitment to improving our roads, bridges and public facilities is a testament to their leadership.”
“We are thrilled to receive this transformative investment from the U.S. DOT for the North Coast Connector project,” said Mayor Justin Bibb. “This funding will allow us to reimagine our waterfront access, transform outdated infrastructure and build a safer, more vibrant connection between our residents, the lakefront, and the Port of Cleveland. This is a crucial step forward in making Cleveland a more connected and accessible city.”
“This historic investment in the North Coast Connector project reflects our shared commitment to creating a more connected, accessible, and vibrant Cleveland,” said Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “I applaud the collaboration between city leadership, our federal partners, and the community to bring this transformative vision to life, enhancing our lakefront for generations to come for all Clevelanders — from LeeHarvard to Kamm’s Corners and all points in between.”
The North Coast Connector is part of Mayor Bibb’s Shore-to-Core-to-Shore
vision to enhance mobility, improve safety for residents and visitors, and create conditions to attract private investment along Cleveland’s lakefront.
The $284 million project, estimated to break ground in 2027, will transform key sections of State Route 2 into a pedestrianfriendly boulevard as well as the construction of a new pedestrian land bridge connecting downtown Cleveland to Lake Erie.
“I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated congressional delegation, particularly former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and Congresswoman Shontel Brown, for
“I am proud to join Mayor Bibb in announcing this significant federal funding for our city,” Congresswoman Shontel Brown said. “The North Coast Connector and the Mayor’s broader Shore-to-Core-toShore initiative are transformational initiatives that will help us capitalize on our Lakefront, strengthen our economy and position Cleveland to thrive for decades to come. We believe in downtown Cleveland. Visionary projects like this are not possible without visionary leaders locally and nationally.
“Congratulations to everyone with the city who worked on this application. This was a highly competitive grant opportunity, and my office was honored to support the bid.”
For more information, visit clevelandnorthcoast.com/ and clevelandohio.gov/cityhall/office-mayor/mayors-initiatives/shorecore-shore.
Projects include interchange improvements at Hopple Street, I-74, Mitchell Avenue, Norwood Lateral and Paddock Road.
Ohio DOT Expects Expressway to Be Complete in Fall ’28
EXPRESSWAY from page 4
Materials include concrete for drilled shafts, bridges, roadway barrier, sidewalks and sign and light foundations, along with sand, aggregate base, mechanically stabilized earth wall concrete panels, steel H-Shape piling for bridge foundations and noise wall concrete panels and posts. Truss and cantilever supports for overhead signs are also required, as well as asphalt, structural steel for bridge superstructures, pavement marking materials and reinforcing steel.
Work continues on multiple efforts, including, but not limited to, Borden/Powers street curb; gutter and sidewalk placement south of I-74; I-74 EB/WB mainline lighting and ITS conduit installation; miscellaneous drainage installation outlets throughout the project; noise wall final grading; bridge deck grooving and smoothness; and epoxy urethane concrete sealing.
Regarding milestones, said Middleton, “There are eight MOT phases with associated work activities on the project. Seven have been completed.”
The most time-consuming work for crews has centered on bridge rehabilitation (demolition, structural steel work, deck forming and reinforcing steel placement) and, with all the traffic volume and complexity of the I-74 / I-75 interchange, safely maintaining traffic through the work zone.
“This consumes resources, since the traffic phase switches can only be performed at night or with weekend / overnight closures,” said Middleton.
He added it’s rewarding to realize the overall project is one step closer to completion.
“Very much so. It has taken long work hours and the dedication of the project workforce to meet all the milestones.”
Construction also began on Phase 8, which involves railroad bridge reconstruction. The $47 million project includes replacement of three railroad bridges, which are located over Prosser Avenue, I-75 and SR 562. Reconstruction of the railroad tracks between bridges also will take place, as will minor realignment of I-75 lanes to accommodate the new railroad bridge pier location on I-75. CEG
Construction began in the summer of
and
2024
should be completed in the fall of 2028.
ODOT/ Gary Middleton, project engineer photo
ODOT/ Gary Middleton, project engineer photo
Operations Manager Craig Smith | Mark
Safety would also have emendous … e Without the i-machines, e gained six months on We been tr Haynes Construction been a huge issue. . timing would have oject overall. o the pr and time is money
