The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission anticipates spending up to $198 million on projects throughout the state this construction season.
The projects are intended to improve travel and safety. Projects include bridge rehabilitation, expanding a toll plaza and pavement replacement and resurfacing.
Bridge replacement will cost more than $40 million, 40 percent of the 2019 capital budget.
Two new toll lanes, booths and canopies will soon begin construction at the Route 8 exit in Akron and will be completed in November. This will accommodate an increase in traffic.
Collectively, pavement replacement and resurfacing projects are one third of the budget.
Pavement replacement projects began in 2011. Work will begin this month on two additional projects, a section in Cuyahoga and Summit counties and a section in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties.
In Portage and Trumbull counties and in Williams County,pavement resurfacing is scheduled.
Warning signs will be posted in construction zones.
“For the safety of our workers and customers, please drive like you work here and slowdown in work zones,” Ferzan M. Ahmed, turnpike executive director, said, “As you approach those orange barrels, please picture a member of your family on the other side of them and use appropriate care.”