Motorists navigating Interstate 71 in Greene County will need to brace for some disruptions this week. The Ohio Department of Transportation has initiated a bridge rehabilitation project, which will affect both northbound and southbound lanes over I-71. The focus of the current work is the deteriorating bridge on S.R. 72.
To safely dismantle the existing structure, overnight restrictions are in place. Crews will initiate an unconventional "up and over" traffic diversion, leading vehicles to exit and re-enter I-71 via the ramps at S.R. 72 interchange. Drivers can expect to encounter these deviations from Monday, April 22nd, through to Friday, April 25th, with the schedule set to operate from 9 p.m. each evening until 6 a.m. the subsequent morning. The efforts will start on the southbound side and will switch to the northbound as demolition work progresses, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation's announcement.
In addition to the night-time interruptions, S.R. 72 has been closed since April 14 and is expected to remain so for 150 days. As a consequence, detours are already rerouting northbound motorists through I-71 North to exit at S.R. 435 and then back onto I-71 South. Those heading south will likewise be directed to I-71 South with a turn onto U.S. 68 in Clinton County, before rejoining I-71 North.
The contract for these extensive works, which also encompass a rehabilitation of the Orchard Grove Road overpass, was secured by Miller Brothers Construction, Inc. The price tag comes in at a substantial $2.8 million, with the entirety of the project slated for completion by the end of June 2026.
