Dayton, Ohio (October 13, 2020) – A $14.9 million infrastructure project will begin in November 2020 to expand U.S. Route 40 to five lanes and improve ramps from Union Airpark Boulevard to the Airport Access Road interchange. Officials from state and local agencies held a kickoff event today to celebrate the selection of the construction company that will begin work on the project in the coming weeks.

“Expanding Route 40 will boost our local economy and support future job growth,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “Montgomery County has made strategic investments to attract logistics, manufacturing, and distribution companies to our community. This project is an excellent example of regional collaboration and local government leading the way for smart economic development.”

Based on its lowest and best bid, local contractor R.B. Jergens was selected for this project by the Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District, which will manage the project. Construction will begin in November of 2020 with planned completion in the spring of 2022. Traffic will be maintained on U.S. 40 throughout construction, although lane closures and lane shifts may be needed.

“This project will improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and increase access to existing businesses while paving the way for new business development,” said Steve Stanley, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District.

The road expansion and ramp improvements will create easier access to and from the area around Dayton International Airport, which has seen investment in recent years from national and international companies such as Chewy, Proctor & Gamble, and Crocs.

Montgomery County has led the financing for this project, securing $3.6 million of commitments to provide funds for the construction required local match, project management, and long-term maintenance of the finished improvement.  To secure the final local funding for the project, the County Commissioners approved a loan from ODOT’s State Infrastructure Bank, which provides low interest loans for local governments to invest in infrastructure.

The total investment in the project from ODOT will be $11.3 million, which includes $1.4 million already spent on engineering, environmental, and right-of-way work.

Other jurisdictions and agencies who have committed funding include:

• $900,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission
• $700,000 from Montgomery County
• $700,000 from the City of Union
• $600,000 grant from JobsOhio
• $500,000 from the City of Dayton (paid through the Transportation Improvement District to the City of Vandalia in annual $25,000 increments to support road maintenance)
• $200,000 from the City of Vandalia

Additional support for the project has come from the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, and the Dayton Development Coalition.