YOUNGSTOWN - Drivers who rely on I-680 northbound for their commutes could experience some significant changes come April 2026.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is gearing up for the I-680 Rehabilitation Project, which is expected to last multiple years and will consist of road repaving, as well as the permanent closure of an on-ramp.

Justin Chesnic, ODOT district 4 public information officer, tells 21 News the product was recently awarded to a contractor for just under $56 million.

Chesnic hopes to start construction in April, weather permitting. Once construction starts, I-680 will be closed to northbound traffic between SR-193 and just south of South Avenue for about 14 months.

The project will start with the paving of I-680 Southbound. During this time, southbound traffic will be moved to I-680 northbound until about the fall of 2026. 

After that, southbound traffic will move back to the southbound lanes and paving of the northbound lanes will begin.

Paving work is expected to be done by the summer of 2026, at which point the northbound lanes will reopen. Until then, northbound travelers will have to use a detour.

"It kind of loops around the city of Youngstown. You'll start on U.S. 62 you'll travel to U.S. 422, then on to State Route 193, and you'll be able to get on to 680, right there," said Chesnic. 

After paving work is completed, crews will start on the repaving of South Avenue, which is expected to last until the spring of 2028.

"There's a small section on the southern end of the job, which is about three-quarters of a mile, which we have to reconstruct around South Avenue. That'll happen in the fall of 27 into the spring of 28," said Chesnic.

Chesnic said crews will then do some finishing touches for a couple months after, which will require a few lane restrictions and occasional ramp closures.

"There will be some ramp closures throughout the job, again, northbound and southbound this season, at Market Street and at Glenwood. That's going to be closed this construction season. Those southbound ramps they're on and off will reopen this fall, but the northbound ramps will remain closed," said Chesnic.

Chesnic said the roads are over 60 years old, making the project absolutely necessary. He's asking everyone to proceed with caution in construction zones.

"Please just drive through our work zone safely there. You know, avoid distractions and avoid speeding through there. Give yourself that extra time as you're, you know, kind of maneuvering through the work zones," said Chesnic.

Chesnic suggests those using the roadway leave five to 10 minutes early.

The project will also see the permanent closure of the on-ramp to I-680 southbound from Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. 

The construction is expected by be complete by August of 2028.