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Summit County Project Will Increase Safety
Construction, which began in February 2024, is on schedule and expected to be completed by
By Cindy Riley
CEG CORRESPONDENT
In Summit County’s Bath and Richfield townships, construction continues on a project designed to improve safety by adding an additional lane in each direction on I-77 from Everett Road to State Route 21. The $54.6 million effort is overseen by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
“This is a meaningful project, because it will reduce the congestion and provide a smooth route for motorists to drive on for years to come,” said Ray Marsch, ODOT District 4 spokesperson. “After ODOT studied current and future pro-
jected traffic volumes on I-77 in the corridor, it was determined that a third travel lane in each direction is needed to improve and maintain traffic flow.”
Construction, which began in February 2024, is on schedule and expected to be completed by summer 2026. Marsch said motorists are dealing with detours as best they can.
“Two lanes of traffic are being maintained in each direction on I-77. The ramps I-77 northbound to Wheatley Road and Wheatley Road to I-77 northbound was closed through early June for pavement reconstruction. The ramp from SR 21 southbound to I-77 southbound is closed through late July.”
see SUMMIT page 7
ODOT photo
summer 2026.
Ohio Peterbilt Breaks Ground On Etna Township Facility
Ohio Peterbilt announced the groundbreaking of its newest location in Etna Township. This 82,000-sq.-ft. facility will sit on 20 acres of prime real estate with visibility from I-70 and is designed to serve as a premier trucking destination in central Ohio. Construction is under way, and the location is set to open in the spring of 2026.
The full-service dealership will include:
• 11,000 sq. ft. of dedicated office and retail space
• 36,000 sq. ft. for a new central parts distribution center, significantly increasing the parts availability and delivery efficiency across the region
• 35,000 sq. ft. for a full-service shop with 25 service bays, helping keep drivers on the road and reducing downtime
• A dog park on site, giving drivers and their four-legged companions a comfortable and convenient place to relax
• Ample parking and amenities to accommodate long-haul drivers and visitors alike
With plans to employ approximately 150 team members, the Etna Township location will be one of the state’s largest
and most advanced truck dealerships. This investment reaffirms Ohio Peterbilt’s commitment to growth, innovation and exceptional service to the trucking community.
“We’re building more than just a dealership, we’re creating a destination for drivers and fleets across the Midwest,” said Mike Crawford, vice president of Ohio Peterbilt. “This facility reflects our dedication to supporting the people and businesses that keep America moving.”
About Ohio Peterbilt
This 82,000-sq.-ft. facility will sit on 20 acres of prime real estate with visibility from I-70 and is designed to serve as a premier trucking destination in central Ohio.
Ohio Peterbilt is a member of the Ohio Machinery Co. family of brands, including Ohio Cat, Allstate Ford of Youngstown and more. With multiple locations across the state, Ohio Peterbilt offers new and used trucks, a vast parts inventory, service support and a commitment to delivering premium customer care. Ohio Peterbilt helps keep drivers on the road and businesses running strong from vocational to highway applications.
For more information, visit OhioPeterbilt.com/etna.
Ohio Peterbilt photo
Ohio Peterbilt photo
Construction is under way, and the location is set to open in the spring of 2026.
Ohio Peterbilt photo
With plans to employ approximately 150 team members, the Etna Township location will be one of the state’s largest and most advanced truck dealerships.
Ohio Peterbilt photo Ohio Peterbilt announced the groundbreaking of its newest location in Etna Township.
Ohio Peterbilt photo This investment reaffirms Ohio Peterbilt’s commitment to growth, innovation and exceptional service to the trucking community.
Operators Showcase Talent, Skill...
ODOT District 1 Employees Showcase Expertise at Roadeo
In a showcase of skill and precision, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 hosted its annual truck and loader Roadeo in Lima on May 15. Thirty-nine employees from across the eight-county district competed for top honors in a series of challenges that tested their expertise in heavy equipment operation and commercial driving.
“The Roadeo brings our teams from across the district together in friendly competition, showcasing our operator’s expertise in heavy equipment operation, precision driving, pre-trip inspections and CDL regulations,” said Chris Hughes, deputy director of ODOT. “We’re proud to highlight their achievements while promoting a culture of teamwork and continuous learning.”
The Roadeo, which began in 1988, is a long-standing tradition held annually in each of ODOT’s 12 districts. The top performers from each district go on to represent their district at the ODOT Director’s Cup in Columbus.
Roadeo Results
Top spots in the loader and truck categories go to Paulding County, Van Wert County, Wyandot County and Roadway Services garages.
Loader Competition
• First place — Kolby Taylor, Wyandot County garage with a score of 1,950 out of a possible 2,300.
• Second place — Matthew Brodman, Roadway Services garage.
• Third place — Zach Timbrook, Paulding County garage.
Truck Competition
• First place — Chris Lobsiger, Van Wert County garage with a score of 1,880 out of a possible 2,300.
• Second place — Matthew Brodman, Roadway Services garage.
• Third place — Austin Dukes, Wyandot County garage.
The top two winners in each category will represent District 1 at the Director’s Cup Truck and Loader Roadeo. Lobsiger and Brodman will compete in the truck competition, while Taylor and Brodman will participate in the loader competition. Timbrook and Dukes earned spots as alternates.
The Hancock County maintenance garage was named team champion (top two truck scores and top two loader scores) with a total score of 6,690.
Mentoring Future Operators
Local high school construction equipment
“The Roadeo brings our teams from across the district together in friendly competition, showcasing our operator’s expertise in heavy equipment operation, precision driving, pre-trip inspections and CDL regulations.”
Chris Hughes Ohio Department of Transportation
technology students from Apollo Career Center, Lima, and Vantage Career Center, Van Wert, recently had the opportunity to operate ODOT equipment and navigate the roadeo course, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the skills required for a career in heavy equipment operation.
Paint-the-Plow Contest
In conjunction with the Roadeo, 23 plows painted by local schools were on display. ODOT employees voted for their favorite entries, and the public also participated by voting on social media.
ODOT announced the champion as Wyandot County’s Carey High School and Putnam County’s Fort Jennings High School.
PeopleÊs Choice Winners
• First place: Carey High School — Deputy Nigel and “Paws and Follow the Laws”
• Second place: Fort Jennings High School — Patriotic eagle and flag
• Third place: Mohawk Preschool — Adorable drawings and handprints
Nigel is a facility dog who works with the school resource officer, Deputy Ryan McKinnon, and the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office. Provided at no cost by Canine Companions, Nigel has made an immediate impact on the school community since his arrival in May of 2024.
Top operators in ODOT District 1’s annual truck and loader Roadeo (L-R) are Zach Timbrook, Paulding County garage; Matthew Brodman, Roadway Services garage; Chris Lobsiger, Van Wert County garage; Kolby Taylor, Wyandot County garage; and Austin Dukes, Wyandot County garage. Lobsiger placed first in the truck competition, while Taylor placed first in the loader event.
ODOT photo
The Carey High School students stand beside their plow, featuring Deputy Nigel, who works with the school resource officer, Deputy Ryan McKinnon, and the safety message “Paws and Follow the Laws.”
Local Jails See $50M for Construction, Renovation Projects
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Annette Chambers-Smith, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction director, announced May 30, 2025, that the state will award $50 million in grants to support construction and renovation projects at 19 local jails across the state.
The funding will be awarded through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program, which was launched by DeWine in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly in 2021. The goal of the program is to help local communities fund improvements at functionally obsolete and structurally failing jails.
“This funding will not only support safer environments for those living and working in our local jails, but it also will
“This funding will not only support safer environments for those living and working in our local jails, but it also will help prepare inmates for release...”
help prepare inmates for release by creating improved spaces for workforce development, educational opportunities and other programming,” said DeWine.
In total, seven counties are receiving funding for new jail construction, expansion or major renovation projects; 11 counties will use funding for structural upgrades, security enhancements and smaller renovation projects; and one county will receive a grant for a needs assessment/feasibility study.
“This funding will provide more safety and security in facilities and more space for programming, which will improve conditions for both staff and incarcerated people,” said Chambers-Smith. “We are helping these jails provide what they need to better meet the demands of the criminal justice system in their county and prepare the incarcerated population for release back into their communities.”
Funding for this round of the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Grant Program comes from the current capital budget. More than $228 million in state funding has been awarded to 50 jails serving more than 50 counties.
The program is administered through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention.
Office of Gov. DeWine graphic
Mike DeWine Governor of Ohio
$54.6M ODOT Project Widens Six Bridges in Summit County
James Mong, District 4 transportation engineer, said a chief goal involves communicating with the driving public to make them aware of lane restrictions and closures.
“There are two lanes in each direction being maintained for traffic. Crews are working behind a barrier wall during construction.
“Within this project, a total of six bridges need to be widened, and four miles of pavement must be replaced and widened. The drainage also needs to be replaced.”
Site work includes pile driving, drilled shafts, pouring concrete abutments/piers, setting beams and pouring new bridge decks. Construction also calls for cement stabilization, subgrade aggregate, asphalt, jack and bore pipe installation and cement spray lining of pipe.
Heavy equipment on the project includes a 130-ton crawler crane; 80-ton crawler cranes; various excavators; asphalt mills; cement stabilization equipment; dozers; graders; and an asphalt paver.
Throughout the project, crews are using 304 stone-backfill for catch basins; subgrade for the road; subgrade for bridge approaches; and asphalt 302 base, 12.5 mm intermediate, 12.5 mm surface.
As part of the project, existing I-77 pavement is being replaced. Crews are removing the asphalt down to the dirt and will be building a new roadway from it.
Crews are working to remove the existing pavement on the outside lanes of I-77. In the spring and summer, crews will begin laying asphalt, as warmer weather is conducive to pavement work.
Approximately 88,000 cu. yds. of dirt are being moved on the project, which has
involved a great deal of preparation.
“There are many details that go into the planning and coordinating, such as what crews will work on, where the inspectors have to be, and what equipment needs to be accessible,” said Mong.
Roughly 55 to 60 percent of the work is complete on the undertaking, which Mong is proud to help guide to completion.
“It’s rewarding to work on this I-77 project, as it will reduce congestion for motorists on a key section of I-77 that connects Akron to Cleveland.” CEG
ODOT photo
The $54.6 million effort is being overseen by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
ODOT photo
In Summit County’s Bath and Richfield townships, construction continues on a project designed to improve safety by adding an additional lane in each direction on I77 from Everett Road to State Route 21.
SUMMIT from page 1
