The importance of public-private partnerships was the focus as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) kicked off its 2008 Central Ohio Construction Season, which includes 54 projects with a total investment by the state of $350 million.

“We are here at Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville because the $7 million dollar railroad bridge crossing, funded entirely by the automaker, balances the movement of people and freight, promotes safety, and reduces congestion,” said Thomas J. Wester, District 6 Deputy Director. Through this partnership with ODOT and Honda, the bridge project will take less time, about two and a half years to build, from conception to completion.

The 54 projects in central Ohio include interstate construction projects, resurfacing, paving, and bridge preservation. ODOT is improving for today and connecting to tomorrow one lane, one bridge and one interstate at a time.

“The future of transportation … our great state and the future of central Ohio … will be built through the partnerships we forge and in our continued commitment to work together,” Wester added.

Other highlights of the 2008-2009 ODOT District 6 construction season include:

• The completion of central Ohio’s single largest construction project, reconstruction of the State Route 161 interchanges at Interstate 270 and Sunbury Road. Eighteen ramps, 17 bridges, 65 retaining walls and a 30-ft. tunnel make up the Northeast Expressway Transformation, which is expected to be completed by August 2008.

• Work is under way, through the efforts of several partners, to ease congestion at Port Columbus International Airport. The International Gateway Project involves relocating Stelzer Road and building several bridges at a cost of $30 million. This construction will make it easier and safer for Ohioans and our visitors to get to and from the airport.

• An $18 million investment is being made on seven bridges in Morrow County in anticipation of adding a third lane to Interstate 71.

• In Union County, construction will begin in the fall to reconfigure and upgrade the U.S. 33/State Route 161/Post Road interchange. $28 million will be spent to relocate ramps and make other improvements to this interchange.

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