What Ohio’s Upcoming $3.4B Road Construction Season Means for Local Drivers

By 1812Blockhouse

Spring driving in Ohio brings a familiar sight: orange barrels lining highways and crews returning to work. In 2026, that seasonal rhythm arrives with a record-setting investment, as the Ohio Department of Transportation begins a $3.4 billion construction season statewide.

The scope is significant. A total of 977 projects are scheduled, including improvements to 739 bridges and approximately 4,562 miles of roadway. To put that in perspective, that distance is roughly equivalent to driving from Columbus to San Diego and back. Projects are included in Ashland, Crawford, and Richland Counties, and are profiled below. We will include a list of projects across ODOT District 3 on Monday.

Much of the focus remains on maintaining what already exists. ODOT reports that 80 cents of every dollar invested this year will go toward preserving current roads and bridges. In addition, 36 major projects each carry a price tag exceeding $10 million. Safety continues to be a central priority. The 2026 construction season includes the launch of 174 safety-focused projects, reinforcing Ohio’s position as a national leader in per capita roadway safety investment.

“As a state that makes and moves things, we must have a safe transportation system that is well maintained,” said Governor DeWine. “As they do each year, our ODOT teams will be making enhancements to Ohio’s roadways to better protect everyone traveling on them.”

Since 2019, the DeWine administration has directed $15.5 billion into 6,067 transportation projects across Ohio.

“This record-setting construction season is a testament to ODOT’s focus on building a more resilient transportation system and saving lives,” said Pamela Boratyn, ODOT Director. “This investment positions Ohio as the heart of the nation’s supply chain and continues to fuel the state’s economic engine.”

Work Zone Safety Remains a Concern

Alongside the construction activity comes a renewed warning about work zone safety.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 4,435 work zone crashes in Ohio last year. Of those, 34 percent occurred with workers present. The consequences remain serious. Seventeen fatal crashes claimed 21 lives, while another 96 crashes resulted in serious injuries. Speeding and following too closely continue to be the leading causes. Troopers issued 7,019 speeding citations in work zones, with more than a third involving drivers traveling over 20 miles per hour above the posted limit.

The risks were underscored by a recent tragedy in Columbus. On February 28, a vehicle entered a closed section of I-70 and struck 25-year-old construction worker Jordan Thomas, an employee of Kokosing Construction. He later died from his injuries. The driver fled the scene and has not been identified.

Authorities are offering a $110,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

ASHLAND, CRAWFORD, AND RICHLAND COUNTY PROJECTS