ODOT to host open house on interchange improvements

The Ohio Department of Transportation District 11 will host a second open house public meeting about proposed safety improvements at several locations around the Interstate 77/U.S. Route 250/state Route 39 interchange in Tuscarawas County.

The meeting will be held from 4-7 p.m. June 30 at Buckeye Career Center’s Joe Carlisle Café, 545 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia.

ODOT is proposing the project to improve safety, reduce congestion and increase direct travel within the interchange area and adjacent intersections.

In December 2025, an open house was held to gather public feedback on proposed alternatives being considered for the project. ODOT is now seeking public feedback on the proposed preferred alternatives for the Alternatives Evaluation Report.

The proposed preferred alternatives include:

Location 1: Interstate 77 southbound off-ramp/relocated state Route 39 — traditional signalized intersection.

Location 2: Intersection of the Interstate 77 southbound/U.S. Route 250 eastbound on-ramp, relocated state Route 39 and Stonecreek Road — roundabout.

Location 3: Intersection of Interstate 77 northbound on/off-ramp and state Route 39 — roundabout.

Location 4: State Route 39 east of the bridge over the Tuscarawas River — concrete median with pedestrian facilities.

Location 5: Roundabout at state Route 39 and Bluebell Drive — roundabout shifted northeast.

Location 6: Backage roads north of state Route 39 — north backage road.

Location 7: Backage road south of state Route 39 — south backage road.

Location 8: U.S. Route 250 westbound to Interstate 77 southbound system ramp — 55 mph flyover ramp.

Location 9: Interstate 77 northbound to U.S. Route 250 eastbound system ramp — 55 mph ramp.

The public is encouraged to attend the open house and provide feedback. Comments may be submitted at the meeting, through the comment form on the PID 122790 project website or by contacting ODOT directly. Comments received by July 30 will be included in the official project documentation, but comments will be accepted at any time.

Project information and materials, including handouts, exhibits and a comment form, will be available on the project website after the open house or may be requested from ODOT.

Individuals who require interpretation services or reasonable accommodation to attend the meeting or provide comments should contact ODOT before June 16. Public participation in the project is solicited without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Spanish translation of meeting materials may be requested by contacting Daniel J. Lorenz at Dan.Lorenz@dot.ohio.gov or 330-308-7875.

Questions or comments may be directed to Daniel J. Lorenz at Lorenz@dot.ohio.gov or 330-308-7875. Comment forms or letters may be mailed to Dan Lorenz, Ohio Department of Transportation District 11, 2201 Reiser Ave. SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.