BEREA: The Ohio Turnpike has announced its largest capital improvement program in 15 years.
The commission says it will spend as much as $144.5 million this year on projects throughout northern Ohio.
The construction season kicked off this week.
“Our construction program not only provides jobs across northern Ohio, but also keeps the turnpike in superior condition for customers.” Executive Director Randy Cole said in a prepared statement. “During this busy construction season, please be safe by slowing down and driving distraction-free in work zones.”
The commission said it will spend $76 million to replace original pavement from 60 years ago.
That work includes replacing a five-mile section from Streetsboro to Shalersville Township and another five-mile section in the eastbound lanes from Lordstown to Austintown Township.
Work on the Portage County portion of the project is expected to begin in early May and be completed by Nov. 12.
The commission said it would try to maintain two lanes of traffic in all three-lane sections during peak travel times.
For more details, go online to www.ohioturnpike.org.