WESTGATE UPGRADES … Action Contractors from Bedford, Ohio, is expected to complete the construction of the new mainline Westgate Toll Plaza at milepost 4 by May 2023, with no anticipated traffic interruptions. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Amy Wendt
The Ohio Turnpike, a critical transportation artery that connects the East and Midwest, is set to undergo significant capital improvement projects in 2023.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has allocated a budget of approximately $226 million for various projects along the 241-mile toll road that spans 13 counties in northern Ohio.
The budget includes nearly $203 million for projects scheduled to commence in 2023, as well as for completing projects from previous years.
Additionally, there is approximately $23 million in uncommitted funds reserved for unforeseen expenses in 2023 and for projects planned for 2024.
A significant portion of the budget, over $129 million, is earmarked for expenditures related to roadway and bridge projects, including $77 million for new roadway and bridge initiatives.
More than $36 million is dedicated to the Toll Collection System (TCS)-related projects, such as TCS integrator, customer service center, pavement, toll plaza, and weigh-in-motion system projects.
The toll collection system (TCS) modernization program, is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2023, assuming no delays.
This modernization initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of toll collection operations, benefiting both the Ohio Turnpike and its users.
Another significant undertaking in 2023 will be the pavement replacement and resurfacing projects, as well as bridge renovations.
Beaver Excavating, based in Canton, Ohio, will be responsible for the base pavement replacement project that extends from the Indiana/Ohio border to the existing Westgate Toll Plaza at milepost 2.7 in Williams County.
The project will be executed in two phases, with the westbound side being replaced first, followed by the eastbound side.
During the westbound replacement, eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane entering Ohio, while westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane leaving Ohio.
Similarly, during the eastbound replacement, eastbound traffic will again be reduced to one lane, and westbound traffic will also be reduced to one lane.
The work is scheduled to commence in spring and will continue until November 2023.
Action Contractors from Bedford, Ohio, are expected to complete the construction of the new mainline Westgate Toll Plaza at milepost 4 by May 2023, with no anticipated traffic interruptions.
In addition to these projects, a two-year resurfacing project will also commence in May 2023, focusing on improving the pavement conditions from milepost 14.8 to milepost 27.5.
The contractor for this project has yet to be selected, but full-depth pavement repairs will be conducted on both sides of the Ohio Turnpike.
During nighttime hours, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
In 2024, the contractor will then perform full resurfacing, once again reducing traffic to one lane in each direction during nighttime hours.
However, during times of heavier travel, typically during daytime hours, two lanes of traffic will be open in each direction, and no more than four miles of roadway will be under construction at any given time during the two-year period.
The construction season on the Ohio Turnpike typically runs from May to December, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) will conduct speed enforcement, including aerial enforcement by plane, in work zones to ensure the safety of motorists and workers alike.
Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution and patience when traveling through construction zones.
Amy can be reached at Amy@thevillagereporter.com