Putnam County is set to welcome a new Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintenance facility with an official groundbreaking ceremony this Friday, as announced by ODOT. The community event will kick off at 10 a.m. at 9979 SR 109 in Ottawa, featuring a groundbreaking "first dig" by the county's longest-serving maintenance worker, Mark Thomas. According to ODOT, this nod to Thomas is in honor of his dedicated years of service.
The current facility, wherein the ODOT's operations have resided since 1979, will soon be replaced by a modern infrastructure designed to handle today's demands. ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Chris Hughes highlighted the inadequacies of the old setup, including limited space and the absence of integral facilities such as a dedicated wash bay. He stated through ODOT, "Our facilities are the backbone of our operations, ensuring Ohio's highways remain well-maintained and safe." Parking for attendees is available on-site, and the nearby YMCA lot is prepared to accommodate the overflow.
The new maintenance hub aims to improve Putnam County's infrastructure with enhanced features and extended capacity. Spanning 30,900 square feet, nearly double the size of the current building, it will significantly boost the region's ability to manage key operational tasks, such as snow plowing and pavement repairs. Acquired by ODOT in 2017, the 22.3-acre property will also offer expanded storage for salt and fuel, up to 4,000 tons and 10,000 gallons, respectively.
ACI Const will oversee the construction of the new facility. Co., Inc., from Findlay, with work commencing on the week of May 26. The project is scheduled for completion in July 2026. "The new facility will provide the necessary space and resources to efficiently house and maintain equipment and materials, benefiting not just Putnam County, but the entire region," according to ODOT. Hughes outlined the anticipated impact of the undertaking on regional efficiency.
