By 1808Delaware, Ohio Department of Transportation
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is kicking off the 2022 construction season throughout the state, with more than 130 projects worth nearly $800 million planned in the central Ohio area this year. This includes 42 pavement improvement projects, 22 bridge projects, and 31 projects aimed directly at improving safety on Ohio’s roads.
Delaware County will be a hub of activity as numerous projects get underway. These include regional projects with a local component as well as four major county transportation projects. Each is profiled below.
“Safety has been the top priority since the first day of the DeWine Administration. We’re constantly looking for ways to better engineer our roads to ensure they’re as safe as possible for those who use them each day,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “However, drivers have an important role to play too. We need every motorist to buckle up, obey the speed limit, drive sober, and drop the distractions.”
In terms of Columbus work, safety is also a major component of the work beginning at Interstates 70/270 and Brice Road this year, the first phase of the Far East Freeway major reconstruction project. This series of projects will address the growing regional travel demand by improving safety at various interchanges along the I-70 corridor from U.S. Route 33 to State Route 256.
“This project is the first step towards easier travel on the east side,” said Interim District 6 Deputy Director Toni Turowski. “This corridor is key for the Columbus metro area and critical for through traffic to connect to eastern Ohio and beyond.”
Expected to begin this summer, the initial phase will replace the existing loop ramp from I-270 south to I-70 east with a flyover ramp to reduce weaving and merging at the interchange. It will also add an eastbound lane between I-270 and Brice Rd. and reconfigure ramps from I-270 north to I-70 east and Brice Rd. to address congestion and improve safety.
Central Ohio projects with a Delaware County component will include:
U.S. 33/SR 161/POST RD. INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS – Upgrade interchange of U.S. 33/SR 161/Post Rd.
Estimated Begin: May 2022
Estimated End: July 2025
Project Cost: $35.8 million
Traffic Impacts: Temporary lane and ramp closures
NOISE WALLS – Construct new noise wall along SR 315 from Garrett Dr. to Henderson Rd in Franklin County. Repair noise walls along I-70 near SR 56 in Madison County, along U.S. 42 near U.S. 23 in Delaware County, and along I-70, I-71, I-270 and U.S. 42 in Franklin County.
Estimated Begin: August 2021
Estimated End: June 2022
Project Cost: $3.4 million
Traffic Impacts: Temporary lane and ramp closures
SR 47 & 229 RESURFACING – Resurface SR 229 from SR 47 to Delaware County Line, SR 47 from SR 229 to the village of Waldo corporation limit, and SR 95 from SR 37 to the village of LaRue corporation limit in Marion County. Resurface SR 229 from the Marion County Line to NortonWaldo Rd. in Delaware County
Estimated Begin: June 2022
Estimated End: October 2022
Project Cost: $700,000
Traffic Impacts: One lane of two-way traffic maintained using flaggers
BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS – Bridge work on Alum Creek Dr. over SR 104 in Franklin County and on Honda Parkway over U.S. 33 in Union County
Estimated Begin: June 2022
Estimated End: October 2022
Project Cost: $204,000
Traffic Impacts: Temporary lane and ramp closures
Delaware County-focused projects will include:
U.S. 23 & SR 423 CULVERT REPLACEMENTS – Replace culverts on U.S. 23 at Stratford Rd. in Delaware County and on SR 423 near Wolfinger Rd. in Marion County, including pavement repairs and guardrail work.
Estimated Begin: April 2022
Estimated End: October 2022
Project Cost: $2.5 million
Traffic Impacts: Traffic shift with two lanes of traffic maintained in each direction, 45-day closure with detour
U.S. 42 RESURFACING – Resurface and widen shoulders on U.S. 42 from just north of SR 257 to east of Fern Dr.
Estimated Begin: April 2022
Estimated End: October 2022
Project Cost: $4.2 million
Traffic Impacts: Temporary lane closures
SR 750 RESURFACING – Resurface SR 750 from Sawmill Rd. to SR 315.
Estimated Begin: June 2022
Estimated End: October 2022
Project Cost: $682,000
Traffic Impacts: One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction except for a weekend closure with detour
U.S. 23 BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS – Bridge improvements on U.S. 23 at Lincoln Ave., E. Central Ave., Winter St., E. William St., and Olentangy Ave.
Estimated Begin: August 2022
Estimated End: November 2022
Project Cost: $500,000 Traffic Impacts:
Temporary lane closures with additional overnight lane closure
“It’s so important for drivers to focus on the road when they’re behind the wheel – especially when projects like these are underway,” said Turowski. “Construction often means new traffic patterns, narrower lanes, and lower speed limits. Staying alert in work zones is imperative to keeping workers and other drivers safe.”
