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$274M U.S. 33 Expansion Will Accommodate Modern Traffic
ODOT District 10 photo
ODOT District 10 photo
A $274 million project that’s been planned for decades is finally under way between Columbus and the Ohio River.
The contractor is excavating with drag pans and excavators, hauling with articulating trucks and large off-road rock trucks.
By Cindy Riley
A $274 million project that’s been planned for decades is finally under way in Ohio. As part of the U.S. 33 expansion effort, a total of 25 mi. of U.S. 33 in Athens and Meigs Counties will be converted from two lanes to a four-lane, divided highway. “These are the last remaining two-lane segments of U.S. 33 between Columbus and the Ohio River,” said Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 10 spokesperson Ashley Rittenhouse. “U.S. 33 is the direct route between central Ohio and
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the southeastern U.S. via a connection with Interstate 77. It’s an emerging freight corridor, with trucks making up an increasing percentage of the average daily traffic. “More than 20 years ago, ODOT secured the right-of-way necessary to expand these sections to four lanes. Connect4Ohio funding made the project a reality. Due to the increasing amount of truck traffic on the corridor and ODOT’s continued focus on improving safety for roadway users, it’s an ideal time for this project to occur.” In June 2024, state and local leaders took part in the official groundbreaking. They
were joined by representatives for Kokosing Construction, the general contractor. “Kokosing Construction was the low bidder on each section,” said Rittenhouse. “We look forward to partnering with them on this project over the next few years.” Rock blasting is a major component of the project, which includes building 10 new bridges, resurfacing the existing roadway and making minor drainage improvements. Rittenhouse said the finished product will be worth the wait. “This project has many benefits, but improving safety is the most rewarding
part,” he said “There’s an expectation that traffic volumes will grow after the project is complete, as the multi-lane and higher speed limits will be attractive to drivers.” According to Scott Kennedy, ODOT District 10 project engineer, things are going well on the Five Points to Ravenswood section. “The weather has generally been conducive to construction. There are always a few issues that arise, but so far, we have partnered well to get those resolved and continue progressing efficiently. see ODOT page 8