Turnpike unveils 2025 project list

GROTON TWP. — As the roadway construction season begins, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is reminding all motorists to be self-aware of unsafe driving behaviors. "Unsafe driving behaviors behind the wheel put our maintenance/roadway crews and contractors at risk in work zones," said Chris Matta, the turnpike commission's chief engineer and deputy executive director. "During the peak construction season, we can have up to 1,300 workers on the Ohio Turnpike. Our goal is to get them home safely every day." Stay safe The turnpike commission identified some unsafe and safe driving behaviors motorists should be aware of: Unsafe Unsafe driving behaviors, which are easily identified and preventable, include: • Speeding • Distracted, impaired, aggressive and drowsy driving • Following a vehicle too closely • Not wearing a seat belt; • Failing to obey traffic signs and signals • Driving an unsafe vehicle Safe All motorists, whether driving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, can drive safely in and around work zones by: • Establishing a safe following distance • Being prepared to slow down or stop; • Maintaining the work zone speed limit; Lane widths are reduced, and the lanes have been shifted and are narrow with no shoulders. • Avoiding distractions • Paying attention to the signs National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual spring campaign occurring at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones, will take place from April 21-25 Local construction projects In 2025, the turnpike commission approved a budget of $319 million for capital improvement projects. Nearly $229 million is reserved along the toll road for roadway and bridge projects, which include 170 lane miles of pavement resurfacing, pavement reconstruction at a toll plaza interchange, two mainline pavement replacement projects and an extensive amount of work on many bridges. "To limit delays for travelers on the Ohio Turnpike, we strive to maintain two lanes of traffic in all three lane sections of the turnpike during peak travel times," Matta added. "Some single-lane work zones will be necessary but will occur mostly during off-peak travel times or at night." Here's a look at the projects spanning local counties: • Sandusky County — one mainline pavement resurfacing project, five bridge deck replacements and a bridge removal project. Portions of lanes and shoulders will be resurfaced. Some work started with other tasks beginning soon. All work should end by Oct. 31. • Erie County — one mainline pavement resurfacing project and two bridge deck replacements. Portions of lanes and shoulders will be resurfaced People can see more details and a county-by-county breakdown by visiting ohioturnpike.org.