Akron, Ohio – One of the largest and most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in northeast Ohio is approaching the finish line, marking a major milestone for transportation in the Akron area.
On Tuesday, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 4 Deputy Director Gery Noirot, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, and several local leaders gathered with project personnel to mark the ceremonial opening of the newly reconstructed Central Interchange — a complex and transformative project that represents the largest in District 4 history.
A $161 Million Project That Transformed Akron’s Freeways
Launched in the summer of 2021, the Central Interchange project carried a total price tag of $161 million and was led by the Ruhlin and Shelly & Sands Joint Venture. Funding came from a combination of ODOT Preservation, ODOT Safety, TRAC, and ODOT Major Rehabilitation sources.
The scope of the project was extensive and covered major sections of three highways. It included the full replacement of pavement and lane additions on I-77 from just north of I-277/U.S. 224 and Lovers Lane, and pavement replacement along I-76/I-77 from Princeton Avenue to the I-77/SR 261 interchange. Crews also replaced pavement on I-76, I-77, and SR 8 directly at the Central Interchange. Additionally, SR 8 was resurfaced, and a southbound lane was added between Carroll Street and Beacon Street…