Wood County will receive $140,000 from the Ohio Department of Transportation for transportation
infrastructure improvements along the Ohio Turnpike.
The improvements, to take place over the next two years, are part of $1.1 million invested in four
projects in the region through ODOT’s Turnpike Mitigation Program.
"As ODOT officials travelled the northern part of Ohio discussing with local leaders how we could
best leverage the turnpike, we heard time and time again of needs that were not being met because of the
mere existence of the turnpike, and the impacts it has on surrounding local roadways," said ODOT
Director Jerry Wray in a press release. "In response, we developed a program to award money to
local communities in need of transportation-related improvements along the turnpike."
In Wood County, the $140,000 will be used for pavement repairs at the intersection of Libbey Road and
Ohio 420, southwest of Millbury.
Additional projects in the region are to be undertaken in Fulton and Ottawa counties.
A total of $4 million is to be invested in sites along the turnpike.
The Turnpike Mitigation Program was started to help fund projects within one mile of the turnpike. The
projects include bridge preservation, minor pavement resurfacing, noise walls, drainage repairs and
other transportation improvements.
Announced in December 2013, the program received 41 project funding applications, which were reviewed by
a committee comprised of ODOT and turnpike representatives.
Through the Turnpike Mitigation Program, ODOT is also offering nearly $5 million for the detailed
analysis and construction of noise walls in several communities. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure
Commission must approve the recommended projects since construction will take place within the turnpike
right-of-way. The commission is scheduled to discuss the noise wall projects at its June 16 meeting.