ODOT plans to replace state Route 164 bridge over 680
Staff report
NORTH LIMA
The Ohio Department of Transportation plans to construct a new interchange to provide access to state Route 164 from Interstate 680 in Beaver Township, as part of a three-phase, $17.5 million project to begin next summer.
The first phase of the project, which already has funding from ODOT’s general fund, will be to replace the Route 164 bridge over 680 and widen it from two lanes to three, according to ODOT District 4 spokesman Brent Kovacs.
The cost of this phase of the project is estimated at $5 million. That phase will begin in 2015.
Phase two, which would take place between 2017 and 2018, will be to add a new interchange north of state Route 164.
Phase three would include bridge replacement and widening on 164 over the turnpike, as well as construction of a roundabout at state Routes 164 and 626.
Kovacs said the purpose of the project is to reduce congestion and improve safety.
“We want to improve system connectivity to make it easier for folks to get on the highway,” he said.
ODOT will conduct a hearing for public input on the project from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at the ODOT North Lima Outpost, 10720 Market St. in North Lima.