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ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — This summer in Athens County, drivers are bound to encounter construction projects. We put together a preview of what construction projects are expected to occur throughout the summer – if we missed something, please email info@athensindependent.com.

All dates below are for 2026 unless otherwise noted.

LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A bridge that has been part of the Lima-Allen County landscape for more than a century is one step closer to being replaced.

Built in 1923, the Metcalf Street Bridge was designed to carry the Dixie Highway over the expansive rail yard of the former Lima Locomotive Works. Due to its age, the bridge has undergone annual inspections, and its most recent rating of four out of nine placed it in poor condition.

At the request of the Allen County bridge engineer, the Allen County Commissioners have begun the process of replacing the structure by initiating a feasibility study.

With temperatures rising, Portage County residents may see an increase in yellow hard hats and road closures, as the county prepares for more construction.

Mike Collins, project manager for the Portage County Engineer’s Office, discussed the summer construction lineup, while also touching on future projects the county has in the works.

This summer, Portage County will commence construction of the Newton Falls Road Bridge replacement project in Paris Township, eyeing a spring 2027 completion, Collins said.

LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) - Roundabout construction at the intersection of Monclova and Albon roads has been pushed back again, now scheduled for June 22. The project is set to be completed in 45 days.

The project was originally supposed to start at the beginning of April. Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said Toledo Edison has not moved its utilities in a timely manner.

Pniewski said the issue with Toledo Edison has caused financial harm to the county and its contractor due to delay claims and extended general condition costs.

A Holmes County undertaking that has made Holmes County’s byways among the best in the state is heading back to the November ballot.

The county hopes to see overwhelming support of the Holmes County Sales Tax Levy, which has helped maintain the county’s roads for the past decade.

The tax levy is a renewal of the existing levy, providing revenue for county permanent improvements for a five-year period of one quarter of 1%.