I-70/SR 149 Interchange Project Begins June 22
Press Release
NEW PHILADELPHIA – Major construction will being soon on the I-70/State Route 149 interchange improvement project.
With continued economic growth in the Morristown area, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) launched a major infrastructure improvement project at the I-70 and State Route 149 interchange (EXIT 208).
This $27 million investment is designed to support current and future traffic demands while improving safety and mobility for all motorists. The project was awarded to Shelly & Sands, Inc. in May 2025. Over the last year, necessary utility relocation work has been underway in preparation for major construction.
The week of June 22, the contractor will shift traffic during nighttime hours for the work zone setup to accommodate I-70 traffic during construction. Following the completion of that work, major construction will begin with demolition work on the bridge carrying I-70 over SR 149.
The overall completion date for the project is summer 2029.
Project Highlights
- Widening and replacing the I-70 overpass bridges over State Route 149
- Widening State Route 149 to six lanes for improved traffic flow
- Resurfacing the on/off ramps at the interchange
- Relocating Reco Drive to optimize local access
I-70 Upcoming Traffic Impacts
On June 22, nighttime work will begin and the contractor will shift traffic to the following patterns for east and westbound traffic:
I-70 eastbound contraflow: The left lane will cross over into the westbound lane, and the right lane will be shifted to the far right. The width restriction for eastbound traffic is 12′ in each lane.
I-70 westbound lane shifts: Both lanes of travel will shift to the right. The width restriction for westbound traffic is 11′ in each lane.
Throughout construction demolition and bridge replacement phases of construction, two lanes of traffic will be maintained in both directions of I-70 at all times.
State Route 149 Future Traffic Impacts
Dates for the following impacts will be announced as they become available.
- Mainline traffic will be maintained throughout construction through traffic shifts
- Temporary 21-day closures of I-70 eastbound and westbound ramps
- Reco Drive will be closed for 21 days
(ODOT Press Release)
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