TOLEDO, Ohio — The Ohio Turnpike 2021 construction season kicks off this month with a $205 million capital improvement program that includes projects throughout northern Ohio. The focus will be on improving safety and making progress on the modernized Toll Collection System that is scheduled to go live with Open Road Tolling in the spring of 2023.
Open Road Tolling means anyone with an E-ZPass can fast-track through tolls without needing to stop. The transponder will be read automatically.
“We’ll be making significant progress this year constructing much of the infrastructure necessary to modernize our toll collection system,” said Executive Director Ferzan M. Ahmed.
Identified infrastructure improvements include pavement replacement and resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation and construction of a new Toll Plaza in Swanton. The Toll Plaza at Exit 49 will be one of four new or reconstructed Toll Plazas that will serve as the linchpin of the new system.
“Customers have been asking for a modern toll road and we’re excited that our plan is now underway. In 2023, our new Open Road Tolling system will debut with all gates removed for our E-ZPass customers," Ahmed added.
In 2021 and 2022, all work will take place east of the Westgate Toll Plaza (east of SR 49.) The turnpike will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the entire construction season for both years.
In 2023, pavement will be replaced from the Indiana line through the new toll plaza at Milepost 4. Once again, the turnpike will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
Ohio Turnpike bridges also will see major work this year, with almost $22 million (comprising 10.6 percent of the 2021 capital budget) in various bridge repair, removal, repainting and deck-widening and replacement projects.
With work zones in place and more in store for this season, it’s always good for motorists to be prepared.
“When driving through a construction zone, the most important thing to do is to pay attention to the road conditions and restrictions,” said Ahmed. “People are working next to traffic. Please drive through the work zones as though construction workers are members of your own family.”
Learn more about all the enhancements by visiting www.ohioturnpike.org.
