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Vol. XIV • No. 21
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ODOT Reconstructs, Widens Portion of I-76 in Akron By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), over the years, has been addressing its infrastructure deficit to replace aging roads and bridges and to upgrade crucial hubs in many of the state’s major cities, and Akron is part of this action. ODOT is investing $25,500,000 to reconstruct and widen close to 1 mi. of I-76 between Central Avenue and the Kenmore Leg in the cities of Akron and Barberton (Summit County). The project, which was awarded to The Ruhlin Company, also includes: the reconstruction and reconfiguration of the East Avenue/Wooster Road/State Street interchange; removing the bridge over Central Avenue; replacing of I-76 bridge over Wooster Road; resurfacing State Route 619 from I-76 to E. Hiram Street, and from Harding Avenue to E. Park Avenue; and minor bridge repairs on I-76/Kenmore Leg. This portion of I-76, built several decades ago, is currently two lanes in each direction separated by a concrete barrier. Ruhlin is adding a through lane in each direction. The interchange and bridges also were constructed in the same time frame The work is funded by the ODOT Major Rehabilitation Program, as well as District Preservation and local funds. This project started in the summer of 2019 and should be completed in July 2022. “This portion of I-76 will be able to accommodate the future traffic counts with the addition of one more lane in each direction,” said Ray Marsch, public information officer, ODOT District 4. “By having this new full interchange, it helps increase the safety of this area. Traffic will now be able to get on and off at State Street from I-76.” Prior to construction, this hub handled 66,000 car and trucks daily and the new hub will be able to accommodate future traffic volumes with the addition of the lanes. “The life expectancy of the base pavement is anywhere from 50 to 80 years,” said Marsch. see ODOT page 4
The Ruhlin Company photo
The Phase 1 road work was based on shifting traffic; removing the old pavement and excavating the area for the new lane; and constructing the new lanes.