LIMA, OH — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local elected officials cut the ribbon on a redesigned interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99 on Findlay, Ohio's north side. The interchange opened to traffic shortly after the ceremony.
The $30.8 million project, which began in early 2024, constructed a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). The project also constructed a new bridge on the south side of the existing County Road 99 bridge, and rehabilitated the existing bridge.
"The two bridges are central to the function of a DDI," said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 Deputy Director. "Under traffic signal control, motorists wishing to enter the interstate from County Road 99 will travel onto the opposite, or left bridge, and proceed onto the interstate in a continuous motion. No more waiting for a break in traffic to turn left," Hughes said. "The design is significantly safer and more efficient," he said.
Compared to a traditional interchange, DDIs eliminate turns against oncoming traffic, eliminate traffic signal phases, reduce delays, are more efficient, and reduce overall crashes by an average of 37 percent and injury and fatal crashes by an average of 54 percent.
Along with construction of the additional bridge, the project also installed turn lanes on County Road 99 to Technology, Speedway, and Ventura drives; installed new traffic signals at Technology and Ventura drives and upgraded existing signals; and constructed a multi-use path on the south side of County Road 99, and a sidewalk on the north side.
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The interchange is the third DDI in northwest Ohio. The first in the region opened in 2021 at Interstate 475 and State Route 25 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Crash statistics before and after interchange construction show the design eliminated left-turn crashes.
"We expect the same result here," Hughes said.
Tim Mayle, current member of the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) and former Director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, regards the project as significant for the region.
“As the former Director of Economic Development and now a TRAC member, I have had the opportunity to be involved with this project from the very beginning," he said. "The significant investments along this corridor over the past several years in manufacturing and logistics, along with the vision of the community, made this a high priority for ODOT TRAC."
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TRAC is the statewide body that awards construction funding for major new projects over $12 million that increase capacity or reduce congestion.
"This corridor has long been one of Hancock County’s most important gateways — connecting I-75 to a thriving hub of manufacturing, logistics, and distribution activity and shows why northwest Ohio continues to be recognized as a top-tier location for manufacturing and distribution," said Dean Monske, President and CEO for Regional Growth Partnership.
Miller Bros. Construction, Inc., of Archbold, Ohio, serves as the general contractor for the project.
