By 1808Delaware
The East Orange Road Railroad Underpass Project is poised to become a pivotal infrastructure development in Delaware County. By addressing traffic congestion and enhancing safety, this ambitious initiative aims to eliminate the long-standing issue of frequent rail crossings that cause delays and disrupt emergency services. Here’s an in-depth look at the scope, progress, and community engagement surrounding this key project.
Project Overview
Delaware County has been grappling with traffic congestion where CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern railroad tracks intersect East Orange Road. The area experiences temporary road blockages caused by passing trains, impacting nearly 10,000 vehicles daily and occasionally delaying emergency medical services. The proposed underpass, spanning East Orange Road between Green Meadows Drive and Blue Holly Drive, seeks to resolve these issues by allowing uninterrupted traffic flow beneath the rail lines.
The Delaware County Engineer is leading the project, with support from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC), which has already secured a $5 million grant and backed an application for $21 million from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. If sufficient funding is secured, construction is projected to begin as early as 2026.
Key Project Details
The underpass will involve extensive modifications to the existing infrastructure:
- Roadway Adjustments: Orange Road will be lowered by approximately 22 feet, providing enough clearance for vehicles beneath the new rail bridges.
- Four-Lane Underpass: The design includes widening Orange Road to four lanes to accommodate both vehicular traffic and a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. This feature supports Delaware County’s broader goals of creating safer and more accessible routes for all forms of transportation.
- Stormwater Management: As part of the infrastructure improvements, a deep storm sewer system will be installed to enhance resilience against adverse weather conditions, reducing flood risks that might otherwise hinder the underpass’s effectiveness.
- Total Cost: The project is estimated to cost $48.7 million, with additional financial support of $8.3 million committed by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
These efforts highlight the need for collaboration among state and local governments, businesses, and the community at large. According to local officials, such a substantial construction project could not be undertaken without this collective support.
Community Engagement
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Delaware County Engineer have prioritized community involvement throughout the planning process. Regular public meetings have provided residents with the opportunity to learn about the project’s scope, share concerns, and offer suggestions. This transparent approach ensures that the final design aligns with the needs of Lewis Center residents and the surrounding areas.
Local support for the project has been strong, with community leaders emphasizing its potential to improve both daily commutes and emergency response times. The underpass is seen as a necessary step to modernize the area’s infrastructure, reduce routine delays caused by train crossings, and enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Long-Term Significance
The East Orange Road Railroad Underpass Project is expected to bring transformative benefits to the Lewis Center area and the broader Delaware County community:
- Improved Traffic Flow: The underpass will significantly reduce the frequent delays caused by train crossings, enhancing daily commutes for residents and easing congestion on Orange Road.
- Faster Emergency Response: By removing barriers posed by rail traffic, emergency services will be able to respond more efficiently to urgent situations, potentially saving lives.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: The incorporation of a shared-use path aligns with Delaware County’s goals of promoting active transportation options, making the area more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.
As Delaware County continues to grow, this infrastructure upgrade is crucial for accommodating increased traffic while ensuring community safety and accessibility.
