Bowling Green, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is inviting the public to attend an event marking the start of the highway construction season in northwest Ohio, with a focus on a critical safety upgrade at one of the region’s most problematic intersections. The kickoff event is scheduled for Friday, April 4 at 1 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 24 and County Road 17D in Henry County, just north of Okolona.
The gathering will take place in the southwest corner of the intersection, where parking will also be available for attendees. The event will feature remarks from ODOT Deputy Directors Chris Hughes and Pat McColley, along with Representative Jim Hoops, R-Napoleon.
Focus on Safety and Regional Access
The existing intersection at U.S. 24 and County Road 17D is currently at-grade, meaning the roads cross at the same level. With growing traffic volumes, this design has led to an increase in serious injury and fatal crashes. In response, ODOT will construct a new grade-separated interchange at this location to significantly improve safety for both local and commercial drivers.
“We invite the public to be part of an event to kick off a significant highway improvement project in our area,” said Deputy Director Pat McColley. “An interchange at U.S. 24 and County Road 17D will improve safety and maintain access to U.S. 24 for local and commercial traffic,” he added.
This interchange forms the centerpiece of a broader corridor-wide safety initiative along U.S. 24 in both Defiance and Henry counties. Another key element of the plan includes an overpass at Independence Road (County Road 185) in Defiance County, which will span U.S. 24 and eliminate an additional at-grade crossing.
Additional Projects and Timelines
A project completed in 2024 by the Defiance County Engineer widened and connected Banner School Road to Defiance Henry County Line Road and Road N1, laying the groundwork for this year’s upgrades. Once the interchange and overpass are in place, further improvements will follow to eliminate or modify other local road access points along U.S. 24 to streamline traffic flow and reduce collision risks.
The E.S. Wagner Company of Oregon, Ohio, has been awarded a $5.3 million contract to construct the Independence Road overpass. The contract for the County Road 17D interchange will be awarded in early April, shortly after the kickoff event.
