CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Drivers traveling through Chillicothe should prepare for a significant traffic pattern shift along the State Route 159/North Bridge Street corridor starting Tuesday, August 25, as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) launches the next major phase of its multi-year safety improvement project [cite: CHILLICOTHE — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is transitioning into the next phase of the multi-year safety improvement project along the State Route 159/North Bridge Street corridor., This phase will involve reconstructing the existing northbound lanes and will include changes to the existing traffic pattern beginning Tuesday, August 25.].
The upcoming phase focuses on rebuilding the existing northbound lanes through the U.S. 35 interchange. To maintain traffic flow, two northbound lanes will be temporarily shifted onto newly poured, 13-inch-thick concrete that will eventually carry the southbound lanes.
“Crews have worked hard to deliver major progress so far this season,” said ODOT District 9 Deputy Director Mike Dombrowski. “This temporary traffic shift is essential to rebuilding the northbound lanes, and we appreciate everyone’s continued patience as we move closer to the final configuration.”
Business Access and Local Traffic Detours
The temporary shift introduces several temporary access changes for shoppers and commuters heading to major retail hubs:
- Shopping Center Access: Northbound drivers crossing the Scioto River who want to enter Shawnee Square, Nourse, Walmart, or Kohl’s must turn left at Stewart Drive.
- Exiting Retail Hubs: Vehicles exiting Nourse, Walmart, or Kohl’s will be routed around the roundabout, under the Scioto River bridge, and back onto Bridge Street via Shawnee Square. No traffic will be permitted west of the roundabout during this phase.
- Southbound Bridge Street: Southbound traffic faces no changes and will continue to be forced onto U.S. 35 west south of North Plaza Boulevard.
Highway Ramp Closures and Reopenings
The reconfiguration will significantly impact ramps connecting Bridge Street to U.S. 35:
- Ramp Closure to U.S. 35 East: The ramp from Bridge Street to U.S. 35 East will be closed until Thanksgiving.
- Detour from South of U.S. 35: Take Bridge Street south to East Main Street, then head east on Main Street to reach U.S. 35.
- Detour from North of U.S. 35: Head north on Bridge Street to the U.S. 23 interchange, then merge onto U.S. 23 south to connect to U.S. 35 East.
- Ramp Reopening & Second Lane: A second lane will open on the exit ramp from U.S. 35 East to Bridge Street. Computer modeling indicates this will reduce highway backup, allowing officials to reopen the ramp from High Street/SR 104 to U.S. 35 East.
- Temporary Ramp to U.S. 35 West: Northbound drivers seeking U.S. 35 West must stay in the left lane and utilize a temporary ramp that merges with the existing entrance ramp from southbound Bridge Street. Northbound drivers must yield to southbound vehicles entering the highway.
On Track for Thanksgiving Completion
ODOT officials confirmed the project remains on schedule to reopen all lanes to their final configuration by Thanksgiving 2026. Minor, less-impactful finishing work will follow in Spring 2027.
Drivers are urged to reduce speeds and stay alert for construction crews throughout the work zone.
For real-time updates, motorists can visit transportation.ohio.gov/BridgeStreet. Questions or concerns can be directed to District Public Information Officer Mikaela Bruning at 740-774-8834 or via email at [email protected].
