SR-72 will shut down for major construction project starting Monday

A major reconstruction project of state Route 72 will shut down parts of the highway beginning Monday, February 20.

The construction project seeks to repair the pavement, widen the shoulder in various sections, replace a box culvert, rehabilitate a culvert and a bridge, and resurface within the 5.78-mile corridor, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) said.

Implementing these changes will cause state Route 72 to close in phases.

ODOT will install signing and start clearing the highway for the project from U.S. Route 35 interchange to Turnbull Road at the Cedarville corporation limit. “This will roll into the first phase of contraction, which is scheduled to begin Monday, March 6, with pavement repairs,” the spokesperson informed. Traffic is expected to be maintained with flaggers during the hours of operation, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

During further phases of the construction project, state Route 72 northbound will be closed, expected to go into effect in early April. Traffic will be detoured by way of U.S. Route 35 and U.S. Route 42 at Xenia.

Southbound traffic will be maintained with flaggers as needed throughout the construction, the spokesperson stated.

Local detours will also be maintained, the spokesperson continued.

The construction project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

For ongoing traffic, construction and weather-related information throughout the state, you can visit ODOT’s website.