Ohio Kicks Off 2026 Road Work, Chesapeake Bypass Project Continues

Construction season is in full swing with major infrastructure projects underway across the Buckeye State.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:08am

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The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is moving forward with the long-awaited Chesapeake bypass project, a multi-phase initiative to build a new 2-lane road that will eventually expand to 4 lanes. Phase II of the project is now in the construction stage, with crews working to connect the Route 7 interchange to Route 775. ODOT officials say the bypass will help alleviate truck traffic and improve overall traffic flow and safety in the region.

Why it matters

The Chesapeake bypass project has been discussed for decades, and its completion will have a significant impact on transportation and commerce in southern Ohio. The new road is expected to ease congestion, improve safety, and support economic development in the area.

The details

Phase II of the Chesapeake bypass project includes building a new 2-lane road from the Route 7 interchange to Route 775. This follows the completion of Phase I in 2006, which connected the 31st Street Bridge to Route 775 in Proctorville. Once the full project is finished, the bypass will offer better traffic flow and multiple safety features. In addition to the Chesapeake bypass, ODOT is also kicking off numerous other road projects across the state as part of a $3.4 billion investment into more than 1,000 infrastructure improvements.

  • Construction on Phase II of the Chesapeake bypass project is now underway.
  • Phase I of the project was completed in 2006.
  • Starting April 6, 2026, SR 243 will be permanently closed between County Roads 118 and 32 for construction.
  • The Chesapeake bypass project is expected to be finished by fall 2028.

The players

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining Ohio's transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and highways.

Matt Bruning

ODOT Press Secretary, providing updates and information about the state's ongoing road projects.

Mikaela Bruning

ODOT District 9 Public Information Officer, offering details on the Chesapeake bypass project specifically.

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What they’re saying

“It's a project that has been talked about for a lot of years, a couple of decades even, and we're moving forward on that and getting some progress made.”

— Matt Bruning, ODOT Press Secretary

“A lot of the project is just as it says, a Chesapeake bypass, right? So, we are trying to pass by some of that truck traffic to get around quicker.”

— Mikaela Bruning, ODOT District 9 Public Information Officer

“It will be a very busy year. A lot of orange barrels across the state of Ohio, but while orange can mean inconvenience, it also means progress. It means we're making our roads and bridges better in the state of Ohio.”

— Matt Bruning, ODOT Press Secretary

What’s next

The Chesapeake bypass project is expected to be completed by fall 2028, with the next major milestone being the permanent closure of SR 243 between County Roads 118 and 32 starting on April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

The Chesapeake bypass project is a long-awaited infrastructure improvement that will have a significant impact on transportation and commerce in southern Ohio. By alleviating truck traffic and improving overall traffic flow and safety, the bypass is poised to support economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents in the region.