CHILLICOTHE, OH — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has released its latest construction update for Ross County, outlining several key infrastructure projects that will disrupt local traffic. Commuters should prepare for major lane closures, detours, and upcoming full-road closures heading into the summer months.
All scheduled work is dependent on weather conditions. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the active and upcoming roadwork across the county:
Major Detours & Safety Improvements
State Route 159 (Bridge Street) Safety Project
A massive multi-year safety upgrade targeting pedestrian facilities, lighting, traffic control, and intersection improvements continues to cause significant disruptions in Chillicothe.
- Current Impacts: All southbound lanes are completely closed between Stewart Road and North Plaza Boulevard (with the exception of the ramp to westbound U.S. 35). Additionally, North Plaza Boulevard is closed at Bridge Street, and the SR 104/High Street on-ramp to eastbound U.S. 35 is shut down. Drivers should expect heavy delays and lane closures stretching from the Chillicothe Mall to North Plaza Boulevard.
- Estimated Completion: Summer 2027
State Route 138 Bridge Replacement
- Current Impacts: SR 138 remains entirely closed to traffic between Water Street and Stingy Lane.
- Detour: Drivers are being re-routed from SR 138 to SR 207, to U.S. 22, and back to SR 138.
- Estimated Completion: Fall 2026
Upcoming & New Impacts
County Road 222 (Charleston Pike) Bridge Replacement
A bridge replacement project between Blacksmith Hill Road and Concord Church Road is introducing new traffic patterns this month.
- New Impacts: Intermittent flagging operations are currently underway.
- Critical Update: Beginning June 1, Charleston Pike will completely close to through traffic between Blacksmith Hill Road and Concord Church Road.
- Detour: The official detour will direct drivers from Charleston Pike to U.S. 23, to U.S. 35, to U.S. 50, to Concord Church Road, and back to Charleston Pike.
- Estimated Completion: Fall 2026
Resurfacing, Repairs, and Single-Lane Restrictions
U.S. 50 Resurfacing
- Current Impacts: Commuters will encounter intermittent lane closures on Eastern Avenue between S. Watt Street and U.S. 35, as well as between U.S. 35 and Sugar Run Road/Calvers Lane. Flaggers and temporary traffic signals are being used to maintain traffic flow.
- Estimated Completion: Fall 2026
State Route 772 Projects
- Bridge Replacement: SR 772 is reduced to a single lane between Turner Road and Rozelle Creek Road, with traffic managed by a temporary signal. (Estimated completion: Fall 2026)
- Slide Repair: Expect temporary, flagger-controlled lane closures between McCann Lane and Rinehart Road. (Estimated completion: Summer 2026)
U.S. 23 / U.S. 35 Rehabilitation
- Current Impacts: While work continues on the rehabilitation project between SR 207 and U.S. 35, ODOT reports there are currently no active impacts or delays to traffic.
- Estimated Completion: Summer 2026
