The $25.2 million project started this spring and will take about two years to complete.
“Every bridge on the main line of I-675 is being rehabbed, so we’ll see barrels and contra-flow lanes for a number of years, but it will make the corridor better,” said Ohio Department of Transportation District 8 spokeswoman Kathleen Fuller.
Impacts on local traffic
Because of this project and the various bridge repairs, the ramp from eastbound U.S. 35 to southbound I-675 is closed. That will stay closed for about eight weeks, Fuller said.
The Indian Ripple Road bridge across I-675, a few hundred yards east of The Greene shopping center in Beavercreek, is being worked on, with lane closures in each direction. The work on that bridge should be wrapping up this month.
Fuller said this bridge and others along the I-675 project will see minor repairs, rehab and paving, including work on the joints where the bridge meets surrounding pavement.
Wagner Road has been reduced to one lane over I-675.
Feedwire Road is closed and is scheduled to reopen July 3, Fuller said.
The contraflow lane for I-675 South along the northbound side of the interstate is now open to traffic, Fuller said. There will be boards, barriers and signs to alert motorists of the work zones.
The coronavirus has not put any budgetary restrictions on the 675 project because it was already funded before the pandemic began.
“As far as the work we have going on right now, the coronavirus has not really affected the contractors,” Fuller said. “We’re not certain if projects in the future will be affected.”
Cincinnati-based John R. Jurgensen, the contractor doing the Interstate 675 rehabilitation project has been able to get the materials needed despite the pandemic.
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“The governor’s stay at home order kind of helped with traffic,” Fuller said. “There was less traffic so the contractor has been able to get things done more quickly, more efficiently.”
Typically work on interstates happens overnight or during off-hours. But because there was not as much traffic, ODOT was able to allow them to work during day time hours as well. Now that traffic is back to normal levels, the construction workers will go back to working more at night, Fuller said.
Other area ODOT projects
Another large project is the super-street being built in Beavercreek. The super-street will eliminate the intersections over U.S. 35, Fuller said. This project was also started this spring.
“Those are both very important projects in Greene County,” Fuller said. “Both of them are key for the entire corridor.”
A smaller, shorter project includes bridge repairs on I-675 near Centerville, which are scheduled to wrap up at the end of June, according to ODOT.
Fuller said it is important the drivers watch out for those who are working on Ohio roadways.
“We want people to just be mindful of the work zones, we want people to pay attention when you’re driving through the area,” Fuller said.
To get more information on projects on Interstate 675 or elsewhere, go to ODOT’s website under the “Our Projects” tab.
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