More traffic patrols to focus on state Route 72 work zone in Greene County, ODOT says

GREENE COUNTY — Increased traffic patrols are among “countermeasures being implemented” in the work zone for the state Route 72 rehab project in Greene County, Ohio Department of Transportation officials said Thursday.

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What prompted the move?

“Heavy truck drivers attempting to navigate local roads to wrong-way drivers, numerous traffic violations” that have occurred recently, according to a statement ODOT issued late Thursday afternoon.

Ohio 72 North is closed at the U.S. 35 interchange to all northbound heavy truck and through-traffic drivers. Traffic is being detoured by way of U.S. 35 and U.S. 42 at Xenia. Those violating the posted detour will be subject to citations by law enforcement, according to ODOT.

Numerous drivers have been found traveling through the work zone in the wrong direction; These drivers will also be subject to citations and fines.

Countermeasures include ODOT crews putting up additional signage to bring attention to the project area and to provide advance notice. These measures are necessary to protect the work zone as well as crews working the construction areas, according to ODOT.

Although state Route 72 will remain open to southbound drivers throughout the duration of the project, traffic will be maintained in one, 12-foot lane by flaggers as needed. Drivers should expect periods of delay.

The project calls for repairing pavement, widening the shoulder in various sections, replacing a box culvert, rehabilitating a culvert and a bridge as well as resurfacing within the 5.78-mile corridor. Work will continue through the 2023 and 2024 construction seasons. With the exception of the cold-weather months, northbound state Route 72 will be closed in phased sequences through most of the construction.

Fillmore Construction, of Leesburg, Ohio, was awarded a contract for approximately $12.6 million to complete the project. All work is scheduled to be completed by August 2024.

News Center 7 reached out to ODOT officials Thursday night for additional comment but have not heard back. We’ll update this report when we do get comment.

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