ODOT Gives Update On Route 2 Construction

The Ohio Department of Transportation says drivers on Route 2 may have a reprieve from the orange barrels soon.

However, the Route 2 widening project likely won't be finished until June 2012.

In the short term, all the westbound lanes between the Route 91 and Route 306 exits are open. But the additional eastbound lane along that stretch of interstate is still closed.

If weather permits, the new lane should be completed and opened by mid-December, ODOT said.

Meanwhile, construction from Route 306 to Route 44 exits will probably take much longer to complete.

For now, the interstate will remain one lane in each direction. According to ODOT, recent rainfall has prevented crews from performing guardrail asphalt operations and striping the road.

ODOT hopes to have two lanes open in each direction by mid-December, with construction to start again after winter.

All of the work between Newell Creek and Grand River rehabilitates the interstate, as well as eight bridges along the route. That portion of the project is expected to be finished in June 2012.

This State Route 2 project will not just widen the interstate. The $181 million investment will also improve noise and drainage issues along the route, as well, according to ODOT.

When the project is finished, ODOT has said that Route 2 will not need major maintenance for more than 20 years.