Massive Akron Beltway Project Wrapping Up
After four years, one of the largest projects in northeast Ohio is nearing the finish line.
On Aug. 13, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 4 Deputy Director, Gery Noirot and Akron Mayor Shammas Malik joined local officials and project personnel for the ceremonial opening of the new and improved Central Interchange project, the largest project in District 4 history. The $161 million project included:
• replacement of the pavement and additional lanes on Interstate 77 from just north of I-277/U.S. 224 and Lovers Lane;
• pavement replacement on I-76/I-77 from Princeton Avenue to the I-77/SR 261 interchange;
• pavement replacement on I-76, I-77 and SR 8 at the Central Interchange; and
• resurfacing of SR 8 and the addition of a southbound
ed by
and
lane on SR 8 between Carroll Street and Beacon Street.
Overall, the project reconstructed 45 lane mi. of pavement, and more than 40 bridges were repaired.
“We know the people who work, live and travel through this area had to deal with a lot of inconvenience, delay and frustration. We appreciate their patience as we made these significant improvements. The result will
Ohio Cat Announces Expansion of Operations in Troy
Ohio Cat, the authorized Caterpillar dealership serving Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana, announced the acquisition of an 8.4-acre parcel of land adjacent to its existing property in Troy, Ohio. Strategically located between I-75 and Brukner Drive, the newly purchased lot marks a significant expansion of the dealership’s footprint in the region.
Effective immediately, the site will be used as a storage yard for equipment, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service capabilities. Construction of a new Ohio Cat Rental Store at the site will start this fall.
The upcoming rental store will feature a broad selection
of Cat equipment rentals, along with offerings from other manufacturers such as JLG and Weiler. Customers also will have access to the full line of Caterpillar equipment and power systems for sale, with a particular emphasis on smaller machines tailored to contractors, landscapers and local businesses.
“This expansion in Troy is a direct response to the growing demand for accessible, high-quality equipment solutions in the region,” said Rob Cox, vice president of sales and rental of Ohio Cat. “We’re excited to bring even more value to our customers with a new rental store and expanded inventory, all in a location that’s convenient and built for growth.”
This expansion reflects Ohio Cat’s continuous commitment in supporting Ohio’s construction and industrial sectors with reliable equipment solutions and responsive service.
For more information, visit ohiocat.com.
Ohio Cat logo
Invenergy Begins Construction On Solar Project in Galloway
Invenergy, North America’s largest privately held developer, owner and operator of clean, reliable and affordable energy solutions, announced June 12 the start of construction on the 240-megawatt Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center in Franklin County, Ohio.
Located in Galloway, Ohio, just outside Columbus, Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center represents an expected $230 million investment in Franklin County over the life of the project, through new tax revenue and lease payments. Pleasant Prairie also has partnered with Ohio State University’s Battelle Center for Science, Engineering and Public Policy to contribute to the education of the next generation of energy leaders.
Construction on the facility will continue through early 2027 when Pleasant Prairie Solar is expected to begin commercial operations. Invenergy has partnered with Blattner, a leader in renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction, on the project. Pleasant Prairie Solar is expected to create up to 300 jobs during peak construction and employ three permanent staff once operational.
Pleasant Prairie will be powered by American-made solar panels produced at Illuminate USA, a solar panel manufacturing company majority-owned by Invenergy, located in Pataskala, Ohio. Illuminate USA panels also are being used at other Invenergy solar facilities in Ohio, including Hardin III Solar, already in operation, and Cadence Solar, currently under construction.
“We are excited to break ground on the
Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center,” said Mick Baird, chief development officer of Invenergy. “Pleasant Prairie represents our commitment, along with project landowners and our partners in Franklin County, the Pleasant and Prairie Townships, Illuminate USA and Blattner, to meet growing demand with domestic energy and strengthen U.S. energy independence.”
“High-quality solar manufacturing is thriving in Ohio, thanks to our team in Pataskala and projects like Pleasant Prairie
which put our panels to work across the region,” said Brittany Rogers, chief human resources office of Illuminate USA. “We’re proud that panels made by our associates will help power local communities and support our state’s energy future.”
Invenergy celebrated this milestone with a groundbreaking event at the project site on June 10. The event included remarks from Invenergy’s Mick Baird, project landowner Squire Galbreath and Brittany Rogers of Illuminate USA. A reception was held after
the groundbreaking at the Darby House, located on the historical Darby Dan Farm, near the Pleasant Prairie project site.
Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center is part of Invenergy’s growing solar portfolio in Ohio, investing more than $17.5 million statewide annually. To date, Invenergy has developed more than 1,000 megawatts in generation capacity in Ohio, enough to power 198,000 homes, through three solar facilities in operation and one facility in construction.
ODOT Announces Start of I-90 Major Rehabilitation Project
ODOT District 12 announced the start of the $173 million project to replace the pavement on I-90 between West Boulevard and Hilliard Boulevard in Rocky River, Lakewood and Cleveland.
Work on this project also includes median barrier wall replacement, drainage improvements, minor shoulder widening and overhead lighting replacement. The estimated completion date for the project is October 2028. This section of I-90 sees average daily traffic of more than 140,000 vehicles and was originally built between the 1960s and 1970s.
Work began on Aug.4, with various off-peak lane restrictions to install temporary pavement. Both I-90 eastbound and westbound traffic within the project limits have been shifted to the outside shoulders once the temporary pavement is in place. On Aug. 8, I-90 eastbound between Hilliard Boulevard and Alger Road was reduced from four to three lanes. Various lane restrictions and ramp closures will continue to be announced throughout the project’s timeline.
Simple, responsible driving behaviors, such as obeying the work zone speed limit, paying attention to work zone signage, maintaining a safe following distance and eliminating distractions, can go a long way in protecting not only motorists but also the men and women working to repair and maintain our roadways.
For more information, visit transportation.ohio.gov.
Invenergy photo
Invenergy announced June 12 the start of construction on the Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center in Franklin County, Ohio.
Ruhlin, Shelly & Sands JV Will Complete Akron Project By Nov.
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Overall, the project reconstructed 45 lane mi. of pavement, and more than 40 bridges were repaired.
ODOT photo
On Aug. 13, ODOT District 4 Deputy Director, Gery Noirot and Akron Mayor Shammas Malik joined local officials and project personnel for the ceremonial opening of the new and improved Central Interchange project, the largest project in District 4 history.
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to those traveling to and through the Akron area,” Noirot said.
One of the most notable features of the project is the reconstruction at the Central Interchange, specifically the re-alignment and reconstruction of the ramps from I-76 westbound to I-77 southbound and I-76 eastbound to SR 8. These new ramps will reduce congestion and improve safety by making the turning radius more gradual. This allows traffic to flow better without having to slow down to 25 mph.
Work is scheduled to be completed by
November with just minor work remaining including bridge painting and other small miscellaneous items.
“This project provides Akron with an enhanced gateway as well as a freeway system that is a safer and more efficient mover of traffic. It took a lot of teamwork and planning to get it done. I’m proud of all the hard work that went into it,” Noirot said.
The Ruhlin and Shelly & Sands Joint Venture began work on this project in the summer of 2021.
The entire project was funded by ODOT Preservation, ODOT Safety, TRAC and ODOT Major Rehabilitation.
ODOT
