BOWLING GREEN \u2013 A $1.1 billion investment in rebuilding Interstate 75 from Lima to Toledo is wrapping up with the opening of the Michael DiSalle Bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Northbound I-75 traffic will be switched to the new DiSalle Bridge next week, putting the interstate in its final traffic configuration and capping the massive investment project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Northwest Ohio is a transportation powerhouse in the state and the main artery is I-75,\u201d said Governor Mike DeWine. “The investment we’ve made here and all along the I-75 corridor, from the Ohio River to the Port of Toledo, is key to Ohio’s local economy and the nation\u2019s economy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I-75 is a vital freight route that connects Canada to Miami, Florida. Originally constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, sections of the interstate began reaching capacity in the 1980s. As the infrastructure continued to age, it was clear that additional investment and capacity was needed to keep pace with Ohio\u2019s growing economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first projects began in 2012 and have continued for just over a decade. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These projects included the reconstruction and redesign of many ramps and bridges; community branding and refreshed entryways into cities and villages throughout the I-75 corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe extend our appreciation for the patience of the citizens of Ohio who have endured the orange barrels, narrow lanes, slow traffic, dust, and noise of these projects. It is through these inconveniences that we stand here today to celebrate the end result,\u201d said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n