The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced $68.6 million in infrastructure projects for Belmont County, the largest allocation of any county in ODOT District 11. Officials have confirmed 22 projects, with two more yet to be announced.
Ohio recently passed an $11 billion, two-year transportation budget, set to take effect July 1, 2025. The budget prioritizes highway safety, infrastructure maintenance and advancements in air mobility.
The Ohio Legislature approved the budget earlier this month, following an 18-month ODOT study focused on improving infrastructure, reducing congestion and fostering economic growth. The study identified 72 congestion hotspots and analyzed six key transportation corridors across the state.
While Belmont County represents less than 1% of the total budget, the county still has notable congestion hotspots. Its transportation system is highway-dependent, shaped by freight traffic, the energy industry and road infrastructure challenges.
Compared to urban centers such as Columbus or Cincinnati, Belmont County has fewer transit options but better highway connectivity than some rural Appalachian counties. Investments in Interstate 70 and bridge repairs will help the county remain competitive in freight and regional mobility.
Belmont County Projects
The first of the Belmont County projects is set to go out for bids April 21, with additional large-scale projects launching statewide.
Blaine Hill Bridge Rehabilitation – Initially scheduled for 2027, this project was moved up due to safety concerns and public feedback. It will go to bid April 21, with construction beginning in May and completion expected by summer 2026.
I-70/State Route 149 Interchange – A major improvement study is underway, with potential work starting as early as fall 2025 or early 2026.
Other projects – Road resurfacing, bridge repairs, culvert replacements, landslide repairs and bike facility enhancements are planned throughout the county.
ODOT’s $11 Billion Transportation Budget
ODOT’s $11.5 billion transportation budget for fiscal years 2024-2025 will fund a $3.2 billion construction season, including 955 projects statewide and 38 major projects valued at over $10 million each.
Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project – Approximately $3.6 billion, shared among Ohio, Kentucky and the federal government. Ohio is managing the contract.
Statewide Highway Construction and Maintenance – $8 billion for road construction and maintenance across Ohio.
Public Transit Initiatives – Nearly $200 million, including $30 million for the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program.
Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) – $18 million for local infrastructure investments.
Highway Safety Improvements – $360 million for accident reduction and roadway safety enhancements.
Bridge Improvements – $717 million for statewide bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects.
How the Budget Is Funded
The $11 billion ODOT budget is funded through multiple sources:
State and federal fuel taxes – The primary source of Ohio’s transportation funding comes from gasoline and diesel fuel taxes.
Federal grants – ODOT receives funding through programs such as the Bridge Investment Program and the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants.
State-issued bonds – Ohio may issue general obligation bonds, including a $2.5 billion bond measure set for a statewide vote on May 6, 2025.
General state funds – A portion of Ohio’s general budget is allocated for infrastructure and safety improvements.
Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay
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