Construction began last night on the state’s first SmartLane — a seven mile stretch of Interstate 670 between downtown and the John Glenn International Airport. The project includes rebuilding the left shoulder on I-670 eastbound to better accommodate drivers in the SmartLane, resurfacing I-670 between I-71 and I-270, and reconfiguring the interchange at I-670, I-270 and US 62.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will be converting the left-side shoulder into an additional travel lane during peak travel times, called a SmartLane. State-of-the-art digital overhead signs will be installed every three-quarters of a mile to let motorists know if the lane is open to traffic or closed by displaying either a red “X” or a green arrow. The SmartLane will generally be open Monday through Friday during the evening rush hour, about 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The lane will only be opened during off-peak times if traffic conditions warrant a need for it.
During construction, drivers will experience ramp and lane closures, most of which will occur overnight and on weekends.
Key Project Points
Initial work includes paving all lanes of I-670 both directions.
Initial work also includes placing 20,000 feet of concrete barrier on the far left lane of EB 670, separating the travel lane and shoulder. This allows the contractor to work on rebuilding the shoulder and making it a travel lane.
Most work that impacts traffic will be nights and weekends.
Crews will be working behind the barrier wall on EB 670 during the day.
Paving has completion date of mid-October this year, weather permitting.
The Smartlane and interchange improvements at 670 and 270 have a completion date of Fall 2019.
The $60 million project is expected to be complete by the end of 2019. The project will run over into 2020 as that is when the noise walls on 670 will be completed.
(ODOT)
