A $54.6 million project overseen by ODOT in Summit County's Bath and Richfield townships aims to increase safety on I-77 by adding an additional lane in each direction from Everett Road to State Route 21. The construction, set to be completed by summer 2026, involves widening six bridges, replacing four miles of pavement and improving drainage. This effort will reduce congestion and enhance traffic flow for years to come.
ODOT photo
Heavy equipment on the project includes a 130-ton crawler crane; 80-ton crawler cranes; various excavators; asphalt mills; cement stabilization equipment; dozers; graders; and an asphalt paver.
In Summit County's Bath and Richfield townships, construction continues on a project designed to improve safety by adding an additional lane in each direction on I-77 from Everett Road to State Route 21. The $54.6 million effort is overseen by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
"This is a meaningful project, because it will reduce the congestion and provide a smooth route for motorists to drive on for years to come," said Ray Marsch, ODOT District 4 spokesperson. "After ODOT studied current and future projected traffic volumes on I-77 in the corridor, it was determined that a third travel lane in each direction is needed to improve and maintain traffic flow."
Construction, which began in February 2024, is on schedule and expected to be completed by summer 2026. Marsch said motorists are dealing with detours as best they can.
ODOT photo
"Two lanes of traffic are being maintained in each direction on I-77. The ramps I-77 northbound to Wheatley Road and Wheatley Road to I-77 northbound was closed through early June for pavement reconstruction. The ramp from SR 21 southbound to I-77 southbound is closed through late July."
James Mong, District 4 transportation engineer, said a chief goal involves communicating with the driving public to make them aware of lane restrictions and closures.
"There are two lanes in each direction being maintained for traffic. Crews are working behind a barrier wall during construction.
"Within this project, a total of six bridges need to be widened, and four miles of pavement must be replaced and widened. The drainage also needs to be replaced."
Site work includes pile driving, drilled shafts, pouring concrete abutments/piers, setting beams and pouring new bridge decks. Construction also calls for cement stabilization, subgrade aggregate, asphalt, jack and bore pipe installation and cement spray lining of pipe.
Heavy equipment on the project includes a 130-ton crawler crane; 80-ton crawler cranes; various excavators; asphalt mills; cement stabilization equipment; dozers; graders; and an asphalt paver.
Throughout the project, crews are using 304 stone-backfill for catch basins; subgrade for the road; subgrade for bridge approaches; and asphalt 302 base, 12.5 mm intermediate, 12.5 mm surface.
As part of the project, existing I-77 pavement is being replaced. Crews are removing the asphalt down to the dirt and will be building a new roadway from it.
ODOT photo
Crews are working to remove the existing pavement on the outside lanes of I-77. In the spring and summer, crews will begin laying asphalt, as warmer weather is conducive to pavement work.
Approximately 88,000 cu. yds. of dirt are being moved on the project, which has involved a great deal of preparation.
"There are many details that go into the planning and coordinating, such as what crews will work on, where the inspectors have to be, and what equipment needs to be accessible," said Mong.
Roughly 55 to 60 percent of the work is complete on the undertaking, which Mong is proud to help guide to completion.
"It's rewarding to work on this I-77 project, as it will reduce congestion for motorists on a key section of I-77 that connects Akron to Cleveland." CEG
Cindy Riley
Birmingham, Ala., native Cindy RIley originally planned on a career in law, but during her sophomore year in college realized journalism was her true calling. A magna cum laude graduate of Samford University, Riley first worked in radio and TV. Named Best News Anchor, Best News Reporter and Best Investigative Reporter by the Associated Press, she interviewed numerous personalities, ranging from Dr. Henry Kissinger and President Bush to Michael Jordan and Captain Kangaroo.
As a print journalist, Riley has covered a variety of topics, including construction, business, health and the arts. In addition to CEG, her work has appeared in special reports for USA Today and the L.A. Times. Other publications have included New South Magazine, Portico, Thicket, Alabama Heritage, B-Metro, Business First and Birmingham Business Journal.
Read more from Cindy Riley here.
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