The construction and development sector has been rapidly growing in the northern part of the U.S. not only the region encouraging the infrastructure program but also the major industries including equipment and transportation. The Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) $51 million rehabilitation of Interstate 75 in Moraine, Ohio, continues progressing smoothly.
The ambitious mega project, which involves replacing outdated pavement and making minor bridge repairs, is on schedule and within budget, with a projected completion date of mid-2025. As of now, crews have completed about 60% of the work, marking a significant milestone for the project. Let’s explore what major development has been happening in Ohio.
A major undertaking
The goal of the I-75 rehabilitation is to address the deteriorating state of the existing pavement, which had outlived its expected life and could no longer be efficiently maintained. The restoration will stretch from straight line mile marker (SLM) 06.86 to 09.57. The pavement infrastructure within the project limits had exceeded its life expectancy and could no longer be satisfactorily maintained, according to ODOT regional public information officer Mandi Dillon.
ODOT has committed to a comprehensive makeover in order to accommodate future expansion and the current traffic demands. Rebuilding the pavement and its markings, as well as doing some minor bridge maintenance, are all part of the overall effort. Assuring the durability and safety of the road while minimizing traffic interruptions continues to be the key priority.
Keeping traffic moving
Throughout the project, the teams have implemented several measures to minimize traffic disruption while ensuring safety. Currently, traffic has been shifted as part of phase five of six, allowing crews to begin reconstructing the outside lanes of I-75 southbound. Lane closures and traffic shifts have been essential to facilitate the ongoing work, but three lanes of traffic remain open in each direction to accommodate drivers.
We have included lane shifts and a contraflow lane to ensure we still have three lanes available in each direction during construction,” Dillon stated. These shifts, while temporary, are crucial for keeping the project on track and preventing major traffic bottlenecks.
ODOT has also worked closely with Barrett Paving Materials Inc., the contractor responsible for executing the construction, to ensure the project proceeds efficiently. Barrett’s extensive experience in handling large-scale interstate reconstruction projects has proven to be an asset.
Maintaining safety in the work zone
Safety is still our top priority for the crews and the traveling public. However, ODOT project supervisor Sam Sine said that traffic speeds, despite the posted speed limits in the work zone, remain higher than in other areas and have resulted in accidents and delays.
To help address this issue, ODOT has teamed up with state and local law enforcement to increase speed enforcement within the work zone to make it a safer workplace for workers and motorists.
Even still, traffic speeds are still much higher than is posted in the work zone and there are still traffic accidents and traffic delays. While increased speed enforcement has been introduced, the situation is under control.
Achieving essential milestones
The Ohio Department of Transportation finished reconstructing the entire northbound side of I-75 and half of the southbound side by the beginning of August 2024. Rebuilding the remaining southbound lanes and ramps, as well as getting the construction area ready for the installation of the final asphalt surface in 2025, are the current priorities for phase five.
Sine claims that rebuilding the current pavement would be a significant undertaking. It involves resurfacing soft subgrade regions, tearing out the old pavement all the way to the subgrade, and setting up new drainage systems. Permanent pavement markings are then applied after crews have placed and compacted several layers of asphalt to produce a long-lasting surface.
One specific component of the project involves extending the southbound deceleration ramp from I-75 to Dryden Road by about 100 feet. This work, while relatively minor in comparison to the larger pavement reconstruction, contributes to the overall functionality and safety of the roadway.
Resurfacing improvements
ODOT is also resurfacing a portion of I-75 from SLM 09.68 to 11.22, which has suffered significant wear from the reapplied and removed pavement markings and raised pavement markings (RPMs). Resurfacing will wear down the scarring and make the road surface more beautiful and longer-lasting for motorists.
ODOT is also replacing the median barrier from SLM 09.68 to SLM 10.44 during the overall rehab effort. Temporary shifting of traffic to the outside lanes of I-75 northbound and southbound during May also allowed crews to focus on the median. A slip-form machine was used in many areas where the barrier was placed much faster and more efficiently than with traditional hand forming.
A project of this scale wouldn’t be possible without the contribution of a heavy equipment supplier. Specialized machinery and tools, provided by reliable suppliers, are essential for tasks like pavement reconstruction, barrier placement, and resurfacing.
Mid-2025 completion
ODOT’s project management approach has enabled its meticulous planning and coordination to allow the I-75 rehabilitation project to stay on time and within budget.
Now in its final phase, crews are preparing for a major milestone on project completion when all lanes will have been restored to their original configuration by mid-October 2024, and the roadway ready to receive the final asphalt surface in 2025.
While the project has required some flexibility from the public, Dillon emphasized the importance of these improvements for Ohio’s infrastructure: We are committed to creating a safe, reliable transportation system that will support today’s and future traffic volumes. That’s why anytime we can improve this system, we’re improving the quality of life for Ohioans and anybody who travels through Buckeye State.
Upon completion, the newly rehabilitated section of I-75 will provide safer, smoother, and more efficient travel for local motorists and those traveling through this important corridor.
Conclusion
ODOT’s $51 million I-75 rehabilitation project in Moraine is an excellent example of well-thought-out design and implementation. As workers get closer to finishing this massive renovation, the project will be remembered as a significant investment in Ohio’s transportation network that will improve the interstate’s efficiency and safety for years to come.
Ohioans may anticipate traveling on a modernized, dependable stretch of road that meets community requirements and guarantees the continuous flow of commerce throughout the region when the project, which is scheduled for completion in mid-2025, is completed.
