Findlay, Ohio – The City of Findlay marked a major transportation milestone yesterday as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local officials officially opened the newly redesigned interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the long-anticipated project, which is expected to improve safety, reduce congestion, and support economic development in northwest Ohio.
A Modern Design for Safer and Smoother Travel
The $30.8 million project, which broke ground in early 2024, transformed the existing interchange into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI)—a traffic design known for its ability to move vehicles more efficiently while significantly reducing crash risks.
As part of the project, crews constructed an entirely new bridge south of the original County Road 99 bridge and rehabilitated the existing one. Both bridges are essential to the DDI’s operation. “The two bridges are central to the function of a DDI,” explained Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. “Under traffic signal control, motorists wishing to enter the interstate from County Road 99 will travel onto the opposite, or left bridge, and proceed onto the interstate in a continuous motion. No more waiting for a break in traffic to turn left,” he said. “The design is significantly safer and more efficient.”
Diverging diamond interchanges eliminate dangerous left turns against oncoming traffic, reduce the number of traffic signal phases, and are proven to cut overall crashes by an average of 37 percent, with a 54 percent drop in injury and fatal crashes.
Enhancements Beyond the Roadway
Beyond the new interchange design, the project included several supporting improvements:
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New turn lanes on County Road 99 at Technology, Speedway, and Ventura Drives
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New traffic signals at Technology and Ventura Drives, plus upgrades to existing signals
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A multi-use path on the south side of County Road 99
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A sidewalk on the north side, enhancing pedestrian connectivity
This is the third DDI constructed in northwest Ohio, with the first opening in 2021 at Interstate 475 and State Route 25 in Perrysburg. According to ODOT, that interchange has since shown a complete elimination of left-turn crashes. “We expect the same result here,” Hughes said.
A Strategic Investment in Regional Growth
The interchange project also carries strong economic significance. Tim Mayle, former director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development and current member of the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), emphasized how the interchange supports the region’s growth.
“As the former director of economic development and now a TRAC member, I have had the opportunity to be involved with this project from the very beginning. The significant investments along this corridor over the past several years in manufacturing and logistics, along with the vision of the community, made this a high priority for ODOT TRAC,” Mayle said.
TRAC is responsible for funding large-scale transportation projects in Ohio that cost over $12 million and are aimed at increasing capacity or reducing congestion.
Dean Monske, president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership, called the new interchange a critical connector. “This corridor has long been one of Hancock County’s most important gateways — connecting I-75 to a thriving hub of manufacturing, logistics, and distribution activity and shows why northwest Ohio continues to be recognized as a top-tier location for manufacturing and distribution,” Monske said.
With the interchange now open to traffic, residents and businesses alike can look forward to safer, faster, and more reliable travel across the region — a true investment in both infrastructure and the future of Findlay.
