Defiance, Ohio – A significant milestone in a broader corridor safety plan for U.S. 24 will be reached with the opening of a new overpass on Independence Road in Defiance County. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that the overpass, located just east of the city of Defiance, is set to open on or around Friday, November 14. This new infrastructure is part of a continuing effort to improve safety along the busy U.S. 24 corridor stretching through Defiance and Henry counties.
Median Crossovers at Jewell and Flory Roads to Close
Once the overpass is officially open, ODOT Defiance County maintenance crews will begin the next phase of traffic changes. Median crossovers on U.S. 24 at both Jewell Road and Flory Road will be barricaded. As part of the changes taking place during the same week, Jewell Road will become a right-in right-out only access on the east side of U.S. 24, while its western side will be completely closed to the highway. Similarly, Flory Road will be converted to right-in right-out only access on the west side of U.S. 24, with no access allowed from the east.
ODOT is partnering with the Defiance County Engineer’s Office to plan and carry out permanent infrastructure changes. These will include the removal of unnecessary pavement and the installation of fencing at the sites where access is being restricted.
Final Construction Touches Underway
Before the overpass is fully operational, construction crews must complete several key tasks. These include grooving and correcting the bridge’s surface, sealing the concrete, installing fencing along the parapet walls, placing guardrails, applying the final layer of asphalt pavement, and striping both the center and edge lines of the roadway.
Part of a Larger Regional Safety Initiative
This overpass project is one element of a much larger initiative known as the U.S. 24 Corridor Safety Improvements. The multi-year plan involves enhancements throughout both Defiance and Henry counties. One of the most notable elements still to come is the construction of a new traditional diamond interchange at U.S. 24 and State Route 17D in Henry County. That project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The series of projects is designed to enhance driver safety, reduce crashes, and improve overall traffic flow along the frequently traveled U.S. 24 corridor. With each completed improvement, ODOT aims to deliver a safer and more efficient highway system for northwest Ohio drivers.
