The Ohio Department of Transportation said there will be 248 construction projects active in Northeast Ohio in 2024, with 193 new ones for this summer’s orange-barrel season. Of the $1.7 billion investment, 93 cents of every dollar goes back into preserving the existing infrastructure.
In Akron, major projects include the state Route 8 hi-level bridge replacement over the Cuyahoga River valley and the completion of the Akron Beltway reconstruction. The $161 million Beltway reconstruction began in 2021 and includes changes along I-77, I-76 and Route 8. With these projects, Akronites can expect extensive resurfacing – along Interstate 77 southbound, crews are removing the existing concrete that was set in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, the southbound lanes between Carroll Street and Johnston Street are split, but there are no other immediate changes coming.
“A majority of what’s in place around the Akron Beltway will remain the same. Our closures will be in place until late fall this year,” said Ray Marsh, ODOT District 4’s public information officer.
Marsh said motorists can look forward to fresh pavement, ramps that are safer to drive on and the reopening of roadways that have been closed the past few years.
“Once this is done, it’ll be a smooth ride for years to come for Akron residents,” Marsh said.
Akron Beltway reconstruction
Ramp closures related to the Akron Beltway reconstruction will be lifted this fall, and final steps will be pavement reconstruction of Interstate 76 eastbound between East Avenue and Princeton Avenue and on I-77 southbound between the central interchange and U.S. 224. The reconstruction project should be completed by July 2025.
I-76 and I-277 resurfacing and bridge repairs
In Akron, the I-76/ Kenmore leg from I-277 to I-77 is set to be resurfaced from August through June of 2025, in addition to I-277 from East Avenue to I-77.
I-77, I-277 and U.S. 224 pavement replacement
The final resurfacing of I-77 southbound between Vernon Odom Boulevard and Princeton Street, just east of Summit Lake, as well as between the central interchange and U.S. 224, will be finished by July.
State Route 8 bridge replacement
The $157.7 million replacement of the state Route 8 hi-level bridge will be finished by summer 2028. Crews will build the bridge starting on the north side, and eventually push it across the valley to the south side of Route 8. The project includes a minor re-alignment of Route 8 and the addition of a new auxiliary lane in each direction between Glenwood and Perkins avenues. ODOT hopes to have the first bridge open by summer 2025.
The project will increase Route 8 from three lanes in each direction to four. Motorists can expect to see various ramp closures at Glenwood Avenue and Perkins Street ranging from 14 days to two years.
Work zone awareness
With the continued construction in Akron, ODOT is urging motorists to be aware of lane restrictions and be patient as they drive through work zones.
“When you make the conscious decision to eliminate distractions, you help the roadside worker get home to their families at the end of their shift,” Marsh said. “The roadway is their office, and we appreciate everything you do to help keep them safe.”
