
Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 is inviting public comments on two proposed transportation projects in Allen and Van Wert counties. These projects, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Executive Order 11988, aim to improve road infrastructure while considering environmental and community impacts.
State Route 66 Resurfacing Project in Allen County
ODOT is planning to resurface an 8.11-mile stretch of State Route 66 between the southern city limits of Delphos and the northern village limits of Spencerville. The resurfacing will utilize echelon paving, a method that ensures full-width resurfacing, which enhances road durability and driving conditions.
The construction will require temporary road closures, with detours in place to facilitate vehicular traffic. However, access to local properties will be maintained throughout the construction period.
Work on this project is expected to begin in the summer of 2026. Additional project details are available at the official project website: transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/107674.
State Route 66 Bridge Replacement in Van Wert County
Another significant project involves the replacement of the bridge carrying State Route 66 (North State Street) over Jennings Creek, situated on the northwest side of Delphos near Delphos Jefferson High School.
Construction activities will also result in temporary road closures, with detours to manage through traffic. Local access to nearby properties will be preserved during the project timeline.
The bridge replacement is set to commence in the summer of 2028. The work will occur within the regulated floodplain of Jennings Creek. However, the anticipated impact on flood levels is expected to be minimal, with no significant rise in localized water levels. A detailed statement of findings from the final floodplain analysis will be available on the project website: transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/110590.
Public Participation and Feedback
ODOT encourages community members to share their opinions and concerns regarding these projects. Written comments should be submitted to Nate Tessler at ODOT District 1, 1885 N. McCullough Street, Lima, Ohio 45801, or via email at [email protected].
The deadline to submit comments is Friday, February 7, 2025. To ensure an effective response, individuals are requested to include the project name and PID number in their communication, along with their contact information. Comments submitted without contact details will not receive a reply.
ODOT is particularly interested in feedback related to potential impacts on historic or cultural resources, ecological concerns, and environmental justice matters.
For further details about these and other transportation projects in the state, visit the ODOT website.
Commitment to Community and Infrastructure Improvement
These projects reflect ODOT’s ongoing commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure while balancing environmental and community considerations. By gathering public input, ODOT aims to ensure these developments address the needs and concerns of local residents while improving travel safety and efficiency across the region.