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Progress Continues On ODOT’s Far East Freeway Project
As part of the comprehensive Far East Freeway project, construction crews in Ohio are upgrading the interchanges of I-70/I-270/ Brice Road along I-70 eastbound in Columbus. The multi-phased Far East Freeway undertaking calls for a series of improvements designed to address growing travel demand between Columbus and east-central Ohio by upgrading I-70 from Livingston Avenue in Franklin County to the Fairfield/Licking County line. “I-70 westbound between I-270 and Brice Road is a very heavily traveled stretch of roadway, with both interchanges experiencing high traffic volumes,” ODOT transportation engineer Heath Houser told Construction Equipment Guide. “The westbound section of I-70 between the I-270 and Brice Road interchanges is prone to congestion because of the weaving that occurs between drivers entering from Brice Road and those shifting right to exit onto I-270. The goal of the westbound project is to reduce the merge/weave that creates congestion along this section of I-70.”
Cindy Riley
ODOT photo
CEG CORRESPONDENT
see ODOT page 8
The Far East Freeway project actually consists of four areas, each with its own series of phases. Construction on the $90 million westbound phase began in the spring of 2025.
CEC Celebrates Safety Week With Training, Safety Fair
C
olumbus Equipment Company (CEC) reinforced its commitment to workplace safety during its annual Safety Week, held May 25-29, 2026, culminating with a Safety Fair on May 29 at its facility. Throughout the week, employees participated in a variety of safety-focused training sessions, including CPR and First Aid, Rigging Safety, Forklift Certification and Pickup and Service Truck Inspections. The goal was to provide employees with practical knowledge and hands-on experience to help maintain a safe working environment.
Columbus Equipment Company team members pose in front of the company’s “Committed to Safety” banner during a safety-focused training event held at the dealership’s facility.
The week concluded with a Safety Fair featuring interactive stations, raffle prizes, food trucks and personal protective equipment (PPE) vendors. Employees earned participation tickets at each station throughout the day, which were entered into raffles for prizes. One of the most popular stations was a live fire extinguisher training demonstration conducted with assistance from local fire professionals. Employees received instruction before taking turns extinguishing live flames in a controlled environment. see COLUMBUS page 4
Page 2 • June 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Murphy Tractor Breaks Ground On New Lima Facility
M
urphy Tractor & Equipment Co. officially broke ground on a new 21,000-sq.-ft. facility at 233 Commerce Pkwy. in Lima, Ohio, marking a major investment in the company’s future growth and commitment to the region. Company representatives joined local officials, the Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG), Mosser Construction and community leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony. The new facility will feature expanded sales, parts and service operations, replacing Murphy Tractor’s current Lima location on St. Johns Road. The project represents a $9 million investment and is expected to create five to seven new jobs over the next three years. “John Deere dealer has been in Lima for nearly 30 years, and it’s been a good market for us,” said Bill Buckles,
Lima, Ohio, Mayor Sharetta Smith addresses attendees during the Murphy Tractor groundbreaking c e r e m o ny , h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e economic impact and growth opportunities the project will bring to the community.
president and CEO of Murphy Tractor. “We want it to be a good market for a long time.” According to Cindy Leis, AEDG president, the project has been several years in the making. The Commerce Parkway location offers excellent visibility and accessibility along Interstate 75, where approximately 40,000 vehicles pass daily. Allen County Commissioner Cory Noonan addressed attendees during the ceremony, highlighting the importance of continued investment and economic growth within the community. The new Murphy Tractor facility is expected to be completed in May 2027. For more information, visit murphytractor.com. CEG (All photographs in this article Murphy Tractor employees, project partners and community leaders participate in the are Copyright 2025 Construction ceremonial groundbreaking for the company’s new $9 million dealership and service Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.) facility in Lima, Ohio.
Bill Buckles, president and CEO of Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co., speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s new Lima, Ohio, facility. Buckles noted the John Deere dealer has served the Lima market for more than 30 years and plans to continue investing in the region. Mur phy Tractor and Mosser Construction Team members turn shovels of dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s new facility at 233 Commerce Pkwy. in Lima, Ohio.
Cindy Leis, president of the Allen Economic Development Group, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony. Leis helped support the project, which will bring a new Murphy Tractor facility to Lima and create additional jobs in the region.
Cory Noonan, Allen County commissioner, addresses attendees during Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company’s groundbreaking ceremony for its new $9 million Lima, Ohio. facility. The 21,000-sq.-ft. dealership and service center is expected to open in 2027 and will expand Murphy Tractor’s presence in the Allen County market.
Representatives of Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co., Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG), Mosser Construction and local officials gather for a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of construction on Murphy Tractor’s new 21,000-sq.-ft. Lima, Ohio, facility.
Construction Equipment Guide • Ohio State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • June 20, 2026 • Page 3
GET MORE WITH
MURPHY SALES | RENTAL | PARTS | SERVICE | MURPHYTRACTOR.COM
Page 4 • June 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Columbus Equipment Invests in Workplace Safety Training COLUMBUS from page 1
Additional stations challenged employees to identify proper PPE for specific job tasks, recognize workplace hazards on equipment, learn the company’s Near Miss reporting process and participate in a blind box challenge designed to emphasize focus, communication and attention to detail. Employees also signed a “Committed to Safety” banner, demonstrating their personal commitment to maintaining a safe workplace for coworkers, customers and visitors. The event highlighted CEC’s ongoing investment in employee training, hazard awareness and workplace safety. By combining formal training sessions with hands-on activities and employee engagement, the company continues to promote a culture where safety remains a top priority throughout its operations. For more information, visit columbusequipment.com. CEG (All photographs in this article are Copyright 2025 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.)
Columbus Equipment personnel participate in a service and equipment safety discussion as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to employee training and development.
Columbus Equipment Company team members pose in front of the company’s “Committed to Safety” banner during a safety-focused training event held at the dealership’s facility.
Team members participate in a hands-on fire extinguisher training exercise designed to reinforce emergency response procedures and workplace preparedness.
Employees gather for a safety training session covering best practices, hazard awareness and workplace safety protocols.
Construction Equipment Guide • Ohio State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • June 20, 2026 • Page 5
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Buck and Knobby JCB
Covering Northwest Ohio 9127 Airport Highway Holland, OH 43528 419-491-2362 www.buckandknobbyjcb.com
Burns JCB
Covering Northeast Ohio 8155 Roll & Hold Pkwy. Macedonia, OH 44056 866-459-6713 www.burnsjcb.com
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Construction Equipment Guide • Ohio State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • June 20, 2026 • Page 7
THE QUALITY YOU EXPECT. THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE.
Page 8 • June 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Brice Road Bridge Widening Part of ODOT Freeway Project ODOT from page 1
ODOT photo The Far East Freeway project actually consists of four areas, each with its own series of phases. Construction on the $90 million westbound phase began in the spring of 2025. Shelly & Sands serves as the prime contractor for this work, as well as the eastbound phase that’s winding down. “ODOT has partnered with Shelly & Sands on many projects across central Ohio and statewide, and we have a strong working relationship,” said Houser. “Their role in the earlier phase also provides valuable continuity between the two phases of the Far East Freeway improvements.” In addition to improving I-70 westbound, the project is also replacing and widening the Brice Road bridge over I-70. “Currently, Brice Road is reduced to one lane in each direction, and these closures will remain in place through Summer 2027 as the bridge is rebuilt one half at a time. Drivers also should expect overnight lane and ramp closures, along with traffic shifts, throughout the duration of construction.” Houser noted the biggest challenge on the job is completing a significant amount of work within a very tight footprint while keeping traffic moving safely. “Crews are rebuilding the Brice Road bridge over I‑70 and constructing a second adjacent bridge, all in carefully A total of 104,198 cu. yds. of excavation was estimated on the project, along with 94,342 cu. yds. of embanksequenced phases. The project also requires multiple ment. retaining walls for the bridges and ramps, which adds to the complexity of planning and staging each step of A total of 104,198 cu. yds. of excavation was estimated on I-70 eastbound. construction.” “It’s been very rewarding to have the new flyover ramp on the project, along with 94,342 cu. yds. of embankment. Houser said the western half of the existing Brice Standard heavy equipment on the job includes cranes, dump open after being involved in the three-year construction Road bridge has been demolished. The widening of I-70 trucks, excavators, dozers and pile driving equipment. process. It’s cool to see the final product and the benefit to westbound is taking place where the proposed collector/ Asphalt, concrete, rebar, steel beams and MSE panels/sand the public after years of coordination and problem solving.” distributor (ramp) lanes will be, as well as ramp realignment are among the materials being used. According to Houser, ODOT has received a lot of positive at the 70/270 interchange. As for eastbound work, that $79.5 million project is in final feedback from the public since the new flyover ramp opened, “The work is going well. Utility conflicts have been a configuration. “The I-70 eastbound improvements added a with many motorists saying it’s now much easier to merge problem for the project, however, because the number onto I-70 eastbound. Drivers also are looking of utilities is in such a tight area, especially along forward to the upcoming improvements ODOT photo Brice Road.” farther east at the SR 256 interchange, which The project is on schedule to complete the first will help address the additional congestion half of the new structures in 2026, after which work that occurs in that area. will shift to the next phase. Construction began in Winter weather had an impact on both the July 2025 to rebuild the western half of the Brice eastbound and westbound projects. To avoid Road bridge over I-70. Because the structure is delays, Houser said careful planning has down to one lane in each direction, crews must stay been essential, especially regarding bridge highly alert while working next to heavy traffic. It deck work. has required careful planning to safely carry out the “Because temperatures and precipitation work in such a high-traffic area.” can change rapidly in Ohio, the team The new Brice Road bridge over I-70 is a twohad to schedule concrete pours and other span continuous steel girder structure spanning 229 weather-sensitive activities during narrow ft. 11 in. (135 ft. 2 in. and 94 ft. 9 in. spans) from windows when conditions were suitable. centerline of the abutment bearings. The new Brice This required close coordination, flexibility Road bridge over the new I-70WB CD lanes is a and constant monitoring of forecasts to keep single-span steel girder structure spanning 67 ft. the project moving despite the unpredictable from centerline of the abutment bearings. start to the year.” In order to reconfigure ramps from Brice Road to Although the elements, including I-70 westbound, MSE/cast-in-place retaining walls extreme swings in conditions, made for an are being built for the 70WB to Brice Road ramp, unpredictable start to 2026, Houser remains and the Brice Road ramp to 70WB. These walls In addition to improving I-70 westbound, the project is also replacing and optimistic. reach 21 ft. in height at the peak. widening the Brice Road bridge over I-70. “It’s incredibly meaningful to contribute To reconstruct the I-70 westbound ramp to I-270 to a project that will benefit motorists for northbound, a permanent soil‑nail wall is required to new flyover ramp from I-270 southbound to I-70 eastbound years to come. Knowing that the work will help people save support the cast‑in‑place retaining wall needed to widen the and reconfigured the ramps from I-270 northbound and time on their daily commute and move more safely through ramp. Because the forward abutment of the I‑70 eastbound I-70 eastbound to Brice Road,” Houser explained. “These a busy area makes the effort feel truly worthwhile. It’s to I‑270 northbound bridge sits so close to this ramp, the changes have significantly improved safety in the corridor rewarding to play even a small part in delivering those longretaining wall is essential for both the widening work and the by reducing the weaving that previously occurred as drivers term improvements.” necessary realignment. moved across multiple lanes to reach Brice Road or continue CEG
Construction Equipment Guide • Ohio State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • June 20, 2026 • Page 9
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New Facility...
Ohio Peterbilt Announces Grand Opening in Columbus
Ohio Peterbilt announced the Grand Opening Celebration of its newest, full service dealership in Etna, located approximately 20 mi. east of downtown Columbus. The celebration will take place on July 29, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m., and the community is invited to join the festivities. Headlining the event are Heavy D and Diesel Dave, stars of the hit television series Diesel Brothers, who will appear as special guests during the celebration. A select group of customers will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive meet and greet with the well known duo. The new Etna location represents a major investment by Ohio Peterbilt. This new Etna facility represents the next level of what a Peterbilt dealership should be. Purpose‑built for productivity, efficiency and uptime, making it one of the most advanced full‑service Peterbilt locations in the nation. The 82,000-sq.-ft. facility features a full-service shop with 25 service bays; a central parts distribution center; expansive office and retail space; and driver-focused amenities designed to keep fleets moving and reduce downtime. With convenient access near the I 70 corridor, the Etna dealership is positioned to better serve customers throughout central Ohio and the Midwest. “Our Etna location is more than just a new dealership, it’s a destination,” said Mike Crawford, vice president of Ohio Peterbilt. “We’re excited to officially open our doors and celebrate with our customers, partners and the community. Having Heavy D and Diesel Dave join us makes this event even more special, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to see what this facility has to offer.” For more information, visit OhioPeterbilt.com/etna.
Ohio Peterbilt graphic
Ohio Peterbilt graphic
Ohio Peterbilt graphic
Ohio Peterbilt graphic
dozers and PC210LCi-10 excavator, and to schedule an iMC demonstration.
Page 12 • June 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
productivity and efficiency by as much as 25%.
Komatsu iMC 2.0
Columbus Toledo Cincinnati Richfield Cadiz (614) 443-6541 (419) 872-7101 (513) 771-3922 (330) 659-6681 (740) 942-887
T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N
Dayton Massillon Zaneville Painesville Piketon (937) 879-3154 (330) 833-2420 (740) 455-4036 (440) 352-0452 (740) 289-375
Ohio’s Dependable Dealer
www.columbusequipment.com
iNTELLIGENT MACHINE CONTR
The Revolution Continue
“
Columbus Equipment Company recently introduced Komatsu’s groundbreaking intelligent Machine Control (iMC) technology. Ever since, iMC has been transforming the way Ohio contractors move earth. Komatsu’s market share has ballooned as the technology proves itself where it counts ... in the field.
Columbus Equipment Company has provided Ohio c with unparalleled product support since 1952, and co to do so. A specialized iMC support team will partner closely as you introduce unprecedented capability to … and Experience the iMC Revolution.
iMC integrates GPS positioning antennae and sensors to control the machine—not just the blade—thereby maximizing material load and push. With no external daily setup, cost is greatly reduced. Robust automatics and intelligence also get the contractor on-grade faster—with fewer passes—increasing productivity and efficiency by as much as 25%.
Contact Machine Control Manag Mike Fenster at (614) 802-7099 f information on Komatsu’s D37i, D D51i, D61i, D65i and D155AXi cr dozers and PC210LCi-10 excava to schedule an iMC demonstratio
REVOLUTIONIZING MACHINE CONTROL AS WE KNOW IT
We get more efficient work out of our equipment when it’s Komatsu iMC equipped. We’re paying for less hours and getting the project done faster. Shannon Carneal | RiverReach Construction
Innovation From a Proven Industry-Leader
Columbus Toledo Cincinnati Richfield (614) 443-6541 (419) 872-7101 (513) 771-3922 (330) 659-6681 (740)
Dayton Massillon Zaneville Painesville P (937) 879-3154 (330) 833-2420 (740) 455-4036 (440) 352-0452 (740
www.columbusequipment.com www.columbusequipment.com
Ohio’s Dependable Dealer
Serving You From Nine Convenient Locations