Between 1990 and 2020, the population will increase by 47 percent and employment by 81 percent. ODOT began construction in 1997, reconstructing the roadway base and adding two new lanes to serve growing vehicle and freight traffic. While the project was originally scheduled for completion next year, ODOT accelerated the work to open all lanes of traffic to motorists by December. A final layer of pavement will be added in the spring, however the work will involve minimal lane closures primarily during off-peak hours. At the governor s direction we have accelerated work on several high-priority projects across the state, maintained more lanes of traffic during construction and increased the level of nighttime work to ease the impact of construction on motorists.
Today represents a turning point in Central Ohio.
As projects like the North Outerbelt come to a close, we can begin to feel the effects of improved travel and continued economic prosperity throughout the region.