News Release
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS - 1980 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
http://www.dot.state.oh.us
INDEPENDENCE DAY TRAFFIC UPDATE
COLUMBUS (July 1, 2008) – Despite the record high gas prices found at fuel pumps across the state, highway travel this
extended 4th of July holiday weekend is expected to rise, according to traffic experts with the Ohio Department of
Transportation (ODOT). With the higher traffic volumes also comes concerns about safety, especially in highway work zones.
A historical analysis of traffic volumes shows that when July 4th falls on a Friday, the biggest increase in traffic comes the day
before. On Thursday, July 3, urban interstates could see a rise in traffic volumes of nearly 5 percent, while rural highways could
see an increase of more than 22 percent.
Last year, there were 842 vehicle crashes resulting in 59 serious injuries and 10 fatalities from the evening of July 3rd through
midnight, July 4th.
With additional traffic on the roads and construction season in full swing, travelers need to plan alternative routes or allow
additional travel time to avoid congestion, delays or more serious highway incidents. Up-to-date traffic information can be
found 24 hours a day at www.BuckeyeTraffic.org.
Below are highlights of some highway projects that could impact the largest number of travelers this holiday weekend:
International Gateway/Stelzer Road, Franklin County (Central Ohio)
Interchange construction at the intersection of International Gateway and Stelzer Rd. at Port Columbus International Airport.
Access to the airport may be affected, as traffic has been shifted to temporary roads with two lanes in each direction maintained
on International Gateway and one lane maintained in each direction on Stelzer Rd. Completion date: fall 2009.
Interstate 75, Montgomery County (Western Ohio)
Phase 1A of the modernization of I-75 through downtown Dayton, from Stanley Ave. south to Main St. The speed limit through
the work zone is 45 mph, and there are lane restrictions throughout the project. Completion date: June 2011.
Interstate 80, Mahoning County (Northeastern Ohio)
Project includes the widening the roadway and construction of new twin bridges over the Meander Reservoir on I-80, between
the Ohio Turnpike and the SR 11 interchange. Two lanes of traffic are maintained in each direction. North Turner Rd. under I80 is closed through mid-August. Completion date: October 2009.
Interstate 271, Summit County (Northeastern Ohio)
I-271 over SR 8 is reduced to one through lane and one exit-only lane in each direction as part of the SR 8/I-271 reconstruction
project. Completion date: summer 2010.
Join Ohio’s Transportation Conversation! Find out how at: TransportationForTomorrow.ohio.gov
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For further information, contact: Theresa Pollick, ODOT District Two Communications Office, at (419)373-4428)
or Ron Poole, Central Office Communications, at (614) 644-8650.