This ODOT-provided graphic shows how traffic will be rerouted when the US 36/SR 37 bridge is replaced over I-71.
Courtesy | ODOT
GALENA — The bridge over Interstate 71 on U.S. Route 36 and state Route 37 in Berkshire Township is going to be replaced in a project headed by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
According to the ODOT project page, “this project will replace the bridge deck and beams on U.S. 36/SR 37 over I-71 and resurface U.S. 36/SR 37 between Fourwinds Drive and Wilson Road.”
Currently in the preconstruction phase, the construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. The project is described as “bridge preservation” by ODOT.
“This project sells in April and some preliminary work will happen this year, but the actual bridge demo and replacement will likely happen next year,” Brooke Ebersole, public information officer for ODOT District 6, told The Gazette. “It’s roughly a $3.5 million project, and it also includes an adjustment to the traffic pattern.”
The adjustment involves a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (R-CUT).
“The new pattern will prohibit eastbound traffic from turning left onto I-71 southbound,” Ebersole said. “This movement currently forces them to cross over into oncoming westbound traffic, which can cause crashes and backups. Once complete, eastbound traffic will traverse through the R-CUT. Once they proceed into the eastbound lanes, they can proceed onto I-71 southbound from there. The pattern is true for U.S. 36/SR-37 eastbound traffic to I-71 northbound.”
There will be at least two more upcoming ODOT projects on 36/37 to lookout for.
First is SR 37 resurfacing. The $2.62 million “roadway minor rehab” project is expected to start this spring and end this summer.
“The project will resurface approximately 6 miles of State Route 37 from S. Walnut Street in Berkshire Township through Trenton Township to North. Countyline Road (Licking County line) in Harlem Township in Delaware County,” ODOT said. “It also includes pavement maintenance, pavement repair, and guardrail improvements along the designated project limits.”
Second would be U.S. 36 resurfacing. The $9.45 million project won’t begin until spring 2025 and will finish in spring 2026.
This roadway major rehab project will “resurface U.S. 36 from the Union/Delaware County Line to the city of Delaware corporation limits,” ODOT said. “The project will also include shoulder widening work.”
ODOT District 6 consists of Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties. Its offices are in Delaware. For more information, visit transportation.ohio.gov.
