12/22/17 – 5:30 A.M.

We continue our look back at 2017 today, recapping the top stories of the year as suggested by our listeners. The final story for this week looks at the widening of I-75 in Findlay.

The three-year construction project kicked off in the spring. In March, ODOT District One Deputy Director Kirk Slusher said the widening project was very important…

Audio: Kirk Slusher

The focus of the project in 2017 was the reconstruction of the Harrison Street bridge and leveling ground for a third lane in each direction. As we close out 2017 the flyover ramps for the new interchange with U.S. 68 and State Route 15 are starting to take shape.

The construction plans made some Findlay area residents and business owners nervous. Some business owners with locations along I-75 told the Courier in March they worried they’d see a decline in business. Others thought more construction workers in the area might give them a boost.

Of course, the construction has been responsible for several traffic jams throughout the year. ODOT attempts to restrict major lane closures to overnight hours and weekends if possible.