February 7, 200619 yr Given that many Ohio counties are faced with the same dilemna, I thought this was an interesting story. And it isn't just highway bridges. We have many railroad bridges around the state that have either reached or surpassed their 100-year engineering life-span. They are also a more expensive fix, given the heavier loads they must carry. February 1 - 8, 2006 County weighs options for Orange Road Bridge Century-old span carries 3,500 cars a day; its scenic qualities must be considered, some say Can a one-lane bridge exist in one of the fastest-growing parts of the fastest-growing county in Ohio? As a five-month Delaware County study of the Orange Road Bridge nears, so does a March or April date for the county to present its findings to the public. http://www.snponline.com/FRONT/Stories/2.HTML
February 8, 200619 yr Author As well as.... and recent Urban Ohio signee Bridger's (Ron Jones) listing http://oldohiobridges.com/county/delawa.htm (4th bridge down)
March 11, 200619 yr This appeared in the 2/26/06 Newark Advocate: PHOTO: Twisted tree limbs and a boarded-up house stand at the corner of 161 and Beech Road where preparations for the widening of Ohio 161/37 are under way. Giles Clement, The Advocate Highway work visible, but relief years away Trees down, houses shuttered along Ohio 161/37; project will bid soon By MANDY SHUGARS Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Telltale signs of the impending Ohio 161/37 expansion have been popping up in recent weeks. Felled trees and boarded-up homes are easily visible on the drive to Columbus, and they are directly related to this spring's construction. "Yes, we do have trees that we're cutting down on the western end of the project," said Cindy Brown, Ohio Department of Transportation District 5 spokeswoman. "That is in preparation for the actual project to begin in the spring." National Environmental Policy Act regulations have mandated the trees come down before April 15, because they are potential nesting places for the endangered Indiana bat species, Brown explained. The fate of boarded-up homes will be decided by the contractors, she added.... Mandy Shugars can be reached at (740) 328-8543 or [email protected] http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060226/NEWS01/602260303/1002 What's next Mid-April 2006: Ohio 161/37/16 project goes to bid Mid- to late May 2006: Phase one construction begins November/December 2006: Phase two land acquisition complete End of 2007: Partial opening between New Albany and Ohio 310 End of 2008: Opening of traffic for the entire corridor Source: Ohio Department of Transportation
March 11, 200619 yr Will this expanision of 161 be an actual freeway, like 161 is from 270 to U.S.62/Dublin Granville Road?
March 13, 200619 yr ^ Yes, it will be a limited access freeway from 270 to Granville. My company is currently modifying the plans in accordance to ODOT's final comments (no easy task considering there are 1,000+ sheets).
March 14, 200619 yr Hmm...I can't believe there isn't a thread for this already. This is from ThisWeek Grandview, 3/9/06: ODOT OPEN HOUSE Final plans to be revealed for I-270 interchanges Thursday, March 9, 2006 By RANDY NAVAROLI ThisWeek Staff Writer State highway engineers believe they have figured out a way to untangle one of Columbus' most dangerous stretches of freeway. Ohio Department of Transportation officials will reveal their final plans for improving the I-270 intersections with state Routes 315 and U.S. Route 23 on the city's North Side at a public meeting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 16 at the Worthington Schools Administration Building, 200 E. Wilson Bridge Road. "This interchange reconstruction plan will finish what we started during the late '90s when we widened I-270 to accommodate explosive north side Columbus growth," said Jack Marchbanks, ODOT district deputy director for central Ohio. Marchbanks said the focus on replacing loop ramps with flyover ramps at the intersections will significantly reduce congestion and the number of traffic accidents in the area. More at http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Grandview&story=thisweeknews/030906/Grandview/News/030906-News-109276.html
March 14, 200619 yr Is this plan realted to the work they are slated to do at the 270/71 interchange?
March 14, 200619 yr No. This is further east on 270 from I-71. I'm not a big highway construction fan, but this is one that is needed. These "loop" ramps are a traffic nightmare, because they have traffic trying to exit and enter the interstate at almost the same spot. Flyover ramps make far more sense. In that sense, this is very much like what is being done at I-270 and SR 161.
March 14, 200619 yr Author Is this plan realted to the work they are slated to do at the 270/71 interchange? Technically, yes. The three interchanges are grouped together in this same plan/proposal Not sure the last ODOT updated this site: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/i-270/
March 21, 200619 yr From ThisWeek Big Walnut, 3/19/06: April 26 hearing is set on E. Orange bridge Sunday, March 19, 2006 By KATE FAZZINI ThisWeek Staff Writer A public meeting has been set for April 26 to discuss an impending repair project on Liberty Township's century-old East Orange Road bridge. "I would encourage anyone who is interested in the project to attend the open house," said Robert Riley, the Delaware County Engineer's Office manager for the Orange Road bridge project. "We'll hopefully present a few alternatives to generate discussion ... so we can eventually decide what's best and most feasible for that location." The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 26 in the Liberty Township Hall, 7761 Liberty Road. http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Sunbury&story=thisweeknews/031906/Sunbury/News/031906-News-117224.html
March 23, 200619 yr State unveils extensive plans for I-270 near Worthington By BRITTINY DUNLAP The Ohio Department of Transportation revealed its most recent version of changes proposed to Interstate 270 interchanges at state Route 315 and U.S. Route 23 Thursday. Hundreds of residents packed the Worthington City Schools administration building to look at detailed maps and speak to ODOT officials about the changes and how residents will be affected. Construction is expected to begin in late 2007, after the completion of construction at interstates 270 and 71, said Jack Marchbanks, District 6 deputy director for ODOT. He estimated the entire project will be completed by 2015. "Really this project eliminates a lot of the merging and weaving that takes place," said Todd Sloan, District 6 communications manager. "The entire corridor will be revamped." The project will include areas on U.S. Route 23 between Wilson Bridge Road and Flint Road; on I-270 between Linworth Road and I-71; and state Route 315 from I-270 to a mile south. For more information visit the Web site www.dot.state.oh.us/ i-270 or www.odotdistrict6.org. http://www.snponline.com/NEWS3-22/3-22_allodotproposal.htm
April 17, 200619 yr From Worthington News, 4/12/06: High Street work worries camp leader Planned construction at Route 23 and I-270 will limit access to Camp Mary Orton. By BRITTINY DUNLAP Expansion of U.S. Route 23 and the Interstate 270 corridor by the Ohio Department of Transportation may ease traffic headaches, but for some, the headaches are just beginning. Representatives from Camp Mary Orton, 7925 N. High St., said they are frustrated over how the road upgrades will limit access to the camp and the problems it will cause for visitors. "Right now, if you're out there, it's full access," said Gary Harrington, project manager with ODOT. "What the plans currently show is right-in and right-out access when heading southbound." As proposed, the plan will not allow drivers heading northbound on U.S. Route 23 to turn left into the camp. Those leaving the camp will not be able to turn left to drive north on Route 23. More at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS4-12/4-12_wocampmaryorton.htm
April 23, 200619 yr History, traffic muddle fate of Orange Road bridge Residents hope officials preserve 108-year-old Delaware County span Sunday, April 23, 2006 Jane Hawes FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH POWELL — As Orange Road finishes its westward slice through wooded hills and rolling fields before it comes to a halt at Rt. 315, the road squeezes over a one-lane, steel-truss bridge across the Olentangy River. While backups regularly form on either side of the 108-year-old span, some area residents have fond regard for the ritual of crossing the Orange Road Bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/04/23/20060423-E1-03.html
April 25, 200619 yr How timely for me, just twice in the past few weeks I have been on SR315 going north to Delaware (as an alternate to US 23 or I-71/US 36. I noticed that 'ole bridge. (An aside what the heck is up with that subdivision on 315 that looks like its behind the walls of a Norman Castle---taking the gated community thing too far perhaps?)
April 25, 200619 yr Author How timely for me, just twice in the past few weeks I have been on SR315 going north to Delaware (as an alternate to US 23 or I-71/US 36. I noticed that 'ole bridge. (An aside what the heck is up with that subdivision on 315 that looks like its behind the walls of a Norman Castle---taking the gated community thing too far perhaps?) The one just past the county line (south of Powell Rd/Oh 750)? I think it was constructed in the mid 80s. I don't who owns it or lives there.
April 25, 200619 yr not sure... its here though: http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=40.142328~-83.040311&style=o&lvl=1&scene=2714987 The space in between the gate entrance and the houses to the north is filled in with more houses now
April 26, 200619 yr Author not sure... its here though: http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=40.142328~-83.040311&style=o&lvl=1&scene=2714987 The space in between the gate entrance and the houses to the north is filled in with more houses now That's the one. With the Rocks and Earthen walls (along 315) falling apart in places (Don't know why some parts perpetually crumble).
May 5, 200619 yr From the 5/4/06 Newark Advocate: Zanesville firm turns in lowest bid for 161 expansion ODOT will review bids before awarding contract, starting work By MANDY SHUGARS Advocate Reporters Bidding 3 percent less than state estimates, Shelly and Sands Inc. has been named the apparent low bidder for the Ohio 161/37 expansion project. Ohio Department of Transportation District 5 spokeswoman Cindy Brown said the Zanesville contractor was one of four to submit a bid. Complete General Construction Co., of Columbus, Kokosing Construction Company Inc., of Columbus, and John R. Jurgensen Co., of Cincinnati, were the other contractors who submitted bids. The project will create a $139 million four-lane expressway from New Albany to Granville, making the current Ohio 161 in that area a county road. Groundbreaking is expected in late May or early June.... Mandy Shugars can be reached at (740) 328-8543 or [email protected]. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/NEWS01/605040329/1002/rss01
May 9, 200619 yr From ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/4/06: County eyes options for Orange Road bridge Thursday, May 4, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer The way motorists cross the Orange Road Bridge will likely change in the next few years, but history and increasing traffic concerns will play a primary role in the landmark's fate. The one-lane bridge, on Orange Road east of state Route 315, crosses the Olentangy River and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1898, the bridge is one of only a handful of truss-style bridges remaining in Ohio. http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/050406/Powell/News/050406-News-146681.html
May 9, 200619 yr MORPC eyes $1-billion corridor overhaul Public will get chance to see proposals for I-270/U.S. Route 33 traffic fixes Thursday, May 4, 2006 By MICHAEL RACEY Villager Staff Writer A year ago this month, regional and state planners and consultants brought to Dublin a study of traffic problems in the I-270 and U.S. 33 corridor. On Tuesday, they will present their recommendations for fixing those problems -- and their $1-billion price tag. Two open houses will be held on May 9 -- the first from 3 to 5 p.m., the second from 6 to 7:30 p.m. -- at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road. The draft recommendations come from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the Ohio Department of Transportation and a bevy of consultants for the I-270 corridor between Sawmill and I-70 as well as U.S. 33 between Dublin and U.S. 42. An official presentation of their findings will happen at 6:30 p.m. According to Nick Gill, project manager for MORPC, one of the highest priorities in the corridor will be the reconstruction of the interchange at I-270 and U.S. 33. Gill said that project will likely cost up to $150-million and planners are recommending it be done in three phases. Full article at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=common&story=thisweeknews/050406/Dublin/News/050406-News-146874.html
May 9, 200619 yr Author According to MORPC, the recommendations will include the following: I-270 widened to six lanes in each direction; U.S. 33 widened to four lanes in each direction; Stop! Correct me if I'm wrong here, but wasn't US 33 (Oh 161) widened to four lanes....30 years ago!! I-270 has been 6 lanes (south of 33) for 15 years and 8 lanes (north of 33) for 4 years. What the hell kind of pronouncements is this?!? We continue... The interchange of I-270 and U.S. 33 will be completely reconstructed, eliminating the four-leaf clover system with a new multi-level ramp configuration. The study of the area, released in May 2005, showed what most Dublin commuters already knew: I-270 and U.S. 33 is the worst-performing freeway interchange between Sawmill Road and I-70. It has the highest accident rate and the most congestion, according to officials from CH2M Hill, a consultant for the project. The study area includes 25 lineal miles and eight major interchanges as well as several main local routes. http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=common&story=thisweeknews/050406/Dublin/News/050406-News-146874.html (This should make the anti-highway folks here happy) With the economics the way they are right now, this project should get finished just before the I-73 project. IOW, the day after never.
May 9, 200619 yr ^I don't know. Ohio is something else i tell ya. Back in the early 90's there was a newpaper article in the Enquirer saying that I-275 need to be 6 lanes each direction between I-71 and Winton rd when full development happens. Yet they are currently widening it to 4 lanes each direction now. I think the state waste money on purpose. I guess it's job security to keep funding these studies and only widen when needed.
May 23, 200619 yr Be sure to check out the following: Photo Galleries: * Ohio 161/37 Pre-Construction Aerials File downloads: * Expressway overview map (PDF) * Phase 1 - Detailed Map from ODOT (PDF) * Phase 2 - Detailed Map from ODOT (PDF) * Expressway interchange maps from ODOT (PDF) * Phase 1 Construction Map (PDF) All stories from the 5/21/06 Newark Advocate: First phase construction will move roads, take 2 years By MANDY SHUGARS Advocate Reporter Constructing the new Ohio 161/37 expressway involves much more than just creating a new four-lane highway. The old two-lane route also must be moved or reconstructed at various places along the 12.6-mile route to remain open as a county road once the expressway opens. Ohio Department of Transportation contractors also must move county roads, build new access roads to properties and close some routes. All of that means detours and changes for motorists beginning in June through the complex project's 2008 completion.... Mandy Shugars can be reached at (740) 328-8543 or mshugars@newark advocate.com. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060521/NEWS01/605210313/1002/rss01 RENDERING: This artist rendering shows the new Ohio 161 and Ohio 37 interchange south of Alexandria looking east toward Granville and Newark. The two-lane road in the foreground is a new access road. The two-lane road on the right is the relocated old 161. The extension of County Road 539A and new Outville Road bridge can be seen in the top left portion of the picture. Submitted by ODOT JUST 30 MINUTES AWAY Drivers will have a quicker commute to Columbus when the new 161/37 highway opens in 2008 By MANDY SHUGARS and BRIAN MILLER Advocate Reporters The new Ohio 161/37 expressway should shave at least 13 precious minutes of drive time to Columbus and eliminate many headaches when it opens in 2008. The time savings will put metro Columbus within 30 minutes of many more residents in Central Licking County, a magical number for commuters and others deciding where they'll drive to. That's certainly the case for Corey and Amy Jeffries, who just moved to Granville from German Village, anticipating their commute will be as little as 25 minutes. "The length of the commute was a big barrier to us moving here," Corey said.... The reporters can be reached at (740) 328-8821. BY THE NUMBERS 24,000: Current daily vehicles using 161/37 30,000: Future daily vehicles on 161/37 60 to 80: Workers needed at one time 144: Properties bought by ODOT 48: Households forced to move 145,000: Cubic yards of concrete for phase one. Source: Ohio Department of Transportation District 5 http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060521/NEWS01/605210302/1002/rss01
May 23, 200619 yr Both from the 5/22/06 Newark Advocate: 539A will remain open out of Granville By MANDY SHUGARS Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE — Residents of Granville Township and the western portion of the village won’t lose a popular route out of town when the new Ohio 161/37 expressway opens in 2008. In a change from the state’s original plans, County Road 539A will be extended to Ohio 37 near Alexandria. Drivers can then turn left onto 37 and right onto the expressway headed to Columbus, according to Ohio Department of Transportation officials. The 539A work will be part of phase two beginning in 2007 and opening by late 2008. Before the revision, many in Granville were worried they would lose easy westward access. “The biggest concern would have been if they had shut it off, and that would have forced us to go back into Granville,” said Phil Wince, who lives near the corner of Raccoon Valley Road and Broadway. “Which is OK if you’re going east, but if you’re going west, you’re just backtracking.” FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060522/NEWS01/605220303/1002/rss01
May 24, 200619 yr ^That "artist rendering" was done by a guy in our Indy office. He does all of our before-and-after renderings which we have hanging on the walls of our office. These past two weeks I've been in the field setting the reference monuments for this project and I got to hear first hand how some of the locals hate this project. We had to set some monuments right in the middle of this really nice golf course because ODOT was taking 9 of its 18 holes so to speak. Of course the businesses and residents who live in the area, but aren't directly affected by the project welcome it. If you drive along 161 now it's kind of creepy because of all the downed trees and boarded up houses.
May 24, 200619 yr Author These past two weeks I've been in the field setting the reference monuments for this project and I got to hear first hand how some of the locals hate this project. We had to set some monuments right in the middle of this really nice golf course because ODOT was taking 9 of its 18 holes so to speak. Only 9 holes? Slackers! :-D
May 24, 200619 yr Speaking of people who were forced to move.... Couple's frustration over ODOT's monetary offers leads them to refuse settlements By MANDY SHUGARS Advocate Reporter With the benefits of a new four-lane highway from Licking County to Columbus clear to many, it's easy to forget what must be lost to gain additional convenience and safety. The Ohio Department of Transportation is purchasing 144 parcels of land and moving 48 families off their properties at a cost of $40 million to make way for the new Ohio 161/37 expressway. Ending today, The Advocate is profiling three families losing property because of the expansion. All three agree they are telling not just their own story, but the stories of their neighbors and friends as well. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060523/NEWS01/605230318/1002/rss01
June 6, 200619 yr From the 6/6/06 Newark Advocate: Officials to break ground on 161/37 Public is invited to attend project-opening ceremony By JASON MCALISTER Advocate Reporter NEW ALBANY -- State and local officials will meet Thursday to break ground on the Ohio 161/37 project, beginning the creation of a speedy four-lane route between Newark and Columbus. The public is invited to the ceremony at 1 p.m. at the corner of Ohio 161 and Beech Road. When completed, the new expressway will have three interchanges spanning 12.6 miles between Granville and New Albany at a cost of around $150 million, the Ohio Department of Transportation projects. The current two-lane road will remain open as a county road, but it will undergo radical changes. The construction will close 310 at its intersection with 161 for an extended period of time, said ODOT District 5 Spokesperson Cindy Brown, but 161 will remain open throughout the construction, with some lane closures. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060606/NEWS01/606060304/1002/rss01
June 9, 200619 yr From the 6/9/06 Newark Advocate: PHOTO: Marcia Phelps, left, a Licking County commissioner, shakes hands with Ellen Fravel, who is losing property to the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Ohio 161/37 expansion, during the Thursday groundbreaking ceremony, which was at the intersection of Ohio 161 and Beech Road. Morgan Wonorski, The Advocate Photo Galleries: 161/37 expressway groundbreaking 161/37 project is under way Some disgruntled homeowners attend groundbreaking By JASON MCALISTER Advocate Reporter NEW ALBANY -- State and local politicians, highway officials, and some homeowners in protest met Thursday for the official groundbreaking of the estimated $150 million Ohio 161/37 expansion project. Gov. Bob Taft and several state politicians said the road improvement will reduce the number of crashes and increase the number of jobs along the corridor, which already has seen numerous new jobs from the New Albany Business Park. "This region has seen explosive growth," Taft said. Because of that growth, he said, the road is overused and has an accident rate 70 percent higher than other state roads its size. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/NEWS01/606090302/1002/rss01
June 20, 200618 yr From the 6/15/06 Johnstown Independent: Golf course owner teed off over widening of Route 161 Thursday, June 15, 2006 By BRIAN GADD Independent Staff Writer Thursday's groundbreaking for the state Route 161 widening project, featuring Gov. Bob Taft and county and local officials, was bittersweet for Lovett "Popeye" Thompson. An Alexandria resident, Thompson said he had looked forward to the day on one hand, as it gave him a reason to go back and see the house where he was raised. The lifelong local resident was raised on a farm just west of the Jersey Township line in Franklin County and lived near Beech Corners, the site of the groundbreaking ceremony. "I was just looking for one more picture of the old house," Thompson said. "This road is history in the making. I've always looked to the future, and I think progress is great." On the other hand, Thompson likely will lose about seven holes of his 18-hole golf course -- The Legends at Locust Lane in St. Albans Township -- to the rerouted roadway and likely will have to close the course when Watkins Road is blocked off for construction. The new road will pass through the southern portion of the golf-course property. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Johnstown&story=thisweeknews/061506/Johnstown/News/061506-News-170649.html
June 21, 200618 yr I feel sorry for ol' Popeye. He was real nice to us when we had to set our concrete monuments on his golf course. He even let us borrow his tractor to get to a hard-to-reach part of his neighbor's property. It seemed like a pretty nice golf course with an impressive club house.
June 21, 200618 yr Author But its a golf course. I have no remorse for golf course destruction. There's plenty of other locations for WASPs to conduct their (alleged) business deals. :roll:
June 21, 200618 yr ^ you might feel remorse if you spoke to Popeye in person. He's a real nice, down-home, overalls wearing, ex-farmer who seems like the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off your back. It was uncomfortable how nice he was to us considering what we were on his property to do.
June 27, 200618 yr From the 6/27/06 Newark Advocate: PHOTO: L.E. "Popeye" Thompson, left, tips his hat to a construction worker who is passing by in a dump truck on land once part of Legends Golf Course. Seven holes on the once 18-hole course were on land acquired by ODOT for the Ohio 161/37 expansion project. The course's remaining nine holes remain open despite the construction. Michael Lehmkuhle, The Advocate PHOTO: L.E. "Popeye" Thompson gives journalists a tour of the first nine holes where construction is under way in the Ohio 161/37 expressway expansion project. Michael Lehmkuhle, The Advocate EXPRESSWAY PLAYS THROUGH Part of golf course a casualty of 161/37 expansion, but business will remain open as nine-hole venue By LIZA MARTIN Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- Sounds of bulldozers broke the usual silence at Legends Golf Course Monday as trees were cleared and rolling hills leveled in preparation for construction on Ohio 161/37. When it opens in 2008, the $150 million expressway will shave off at least 13 minutes of drive time to Columbus, putting metro Columbus within 30 minutes of many more residents in Licking County. But in the process, the 164-acre golf course will lose nine of its 18 holes -- or 34 acres -- to the project, said owner L.E. "Popeye" Thompson. After farming the land for 37 years, Thompson, 70, built the golf course in 2001, "because I didn't want to look at housing developments," he said. The Ohio Department of Transportation has had Thompson's land appraised three times, he said, but he's still waiting on the final appraisal figure. ODOT's first appraisal valued the land at $4.7 million, the second at $1.6 million. "I see the need for the road, and I think it'll be a plus for everyone. I just want them to pay for what they take," he said. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060627/NEWS01/606270304/1002/rss01
July 3, 200618 yr From the 7/2/06 Newark Advocate: Expressway work still on schedule By JASON MCALISTER Advocate Reporter NEWARK — When it opens in 2008, the new Ohio 161/37 expressway will cut 13 minutes of drive time to Columbus, providing Licking County with easier access to the capital city. But first, brush and trees must be cleared and dirt must be moved. Constructions crews are continuing to clear the road’s path, giving commuters this summer a glimpse of the new, wider corridor taking shape. As part of the project, a portion of Ohio 161 (Dublin-Granville Road) will take a new path south of and parallel to the current Ohio 161, beginning near the current four-lane New Albany bypass to the east about a mile and a half. This section will divert traffic around the old Ohio 161, allowing construction crews to begin the new route. The new four-lane expressway will span 12.6 miles between Granville and New Albany, and will have a speed limit of 65 mph west of Granville and 55 mph from there through Newark. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060702/NEWS01/60702001/1002/rss01
July 24, 200618 yr From the 7/23/06 Newark Advocate: Construction shutters golf course Loss of holes, competition prompts The Legends decision BY RYAN COOK Advocate Reporter ST. ALBANS TOWNSHIP -- After more than 40 years living on his 164-acre property southeast of Alexandria -- 37 as a farmer and five as a golf-course owner -- L.E. "Popeye" Thompson doesn't plan on going anywhere soon. But the drivers and irons fell silent earlier this month when Thompson closed his golf course, The Legends at Locust Lane, just weeks after the Ohio 161/37 expressway project forced the course to be trimmed from an 18-hole, 7,013-yard course to a nine-hole facility. Thompson said the financial situation didn't allow the course to stay open, with a drop in revenue of around $14,000 during the first two weeks as a nine-hole course. He said people would call to schedule a tee time only to change their minds after hearing of the change. "Eighty percent of them said they thought they would just play somewhere else," Thompson said. The route chosen for the expressway by the Ohio Department of Transportation required the purchase of 34 acres of Thompson's land, making at least seven of the 18 holes unplayable. With five 18-hole courses in a six-mile radius, Thompson said the demand for a nine-hole course just isn't high enough -- especially with construction going on in the area. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060723/NEWS01/607230305/1002/rss01
August 6, 200618 yr From the 8/6/06 Newark Advocate: PHOTO: Chris Newhouser, a project engineer with Shelly and Sands Inc., talks about the progress of the construction going on near the intersection of Ohio 310 and 161 on Thursday afternoon. Morgan Wonorski, The Advocate Dry heat good for building highway Weather has helped company stay on schedule for 161/37 By JASON MCALISTER Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Believe it or not, some people enjoyed last week's heat. The engineers and ground crew of Shelly & Sands relied on the heat and lack of rain to stay on schedule while laying the foundation of the new Ohio 161/37 expressway from New Albany to Granville. "If we have one day of rain, it will delay us two days," said Nasseem Ahmad, a project engineer for the Ohio Department of Transportation. When rain comes, construction crews have to wait until the ground dries before earth can be moved for the new road. The project is on schedule because of last week's dry heat, ODOT says. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060806/NEWS01/608060301/1002/rss01
October 10, 200618 yr From the 10/5/06 Newark Advocate: PHOTO: A dirt road replaces Ohio 310 north of Ohio 161 as construction continues Wednesday on the Ohio 161/37 bypass in western Licking County. Morgan Wonorski, The Advocate Work on Ohio 161/37 expansion falls behind Better weather could get project back on track By KIMBERLY DICK Advocate Reporter ALEXANDRIA -- Rain has delayed the construction of the new Ohio 161/37 expressway by at least two months. The expressway from New Albany to Granville is scheduled to open in July 2008 instead of May 2008, said Cindy Brown, Ohio Department of Transportation representative for District 5. Rain slows the construction down because crews have to wait for the ground to dry before it can be moved. "If we have one day of rain, it will delay us two days," Nasseem Ahmad, a project engineer for the ODOT, said previously. While rain has slowed the project, the construction crews have been working in areas where the wet conditions don't affect construction, like installing the drain pipes, Brown said. Phase one of the two-phase project to make the road a four-lane expressway is 15 percent complete, Brown said. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061005/NEWS01/610050344/1002/rss01
November 11, 200618 yr From the 10/26/06 Newark Advocate: PHOTO: From left, Karen Holt, Mickie Kreidler and Donna Herring are part of a grassroots effort to save the Capt. Joseph M. Scott House from the widening of Ohio 161/37 near Alexandria. The house was built around 1880. Eric George, The Advocate PHOTO: An original window lock from the 1880s is one of the historic pieces of the Scott house. Eric George, The Advocate Saving a piece of the past Group hopes to spare historic house from burn pile By L.B. WHYDE Advocate Reporter ALEXANDRIA -- A grassroots effort is afoot in Alexandria to save an historic house before it is burned down to make room for the Ohio 161/37 expressway. The Capt. Joseph M. Scott House, on the northwest corner of Ohio 161 and Ohio 37, is a reminder of the past with its grand Victorian structure and ornate woodwork. The house was built by Joseph M. Scott (1830-1919), a captain in the Civil War and prominent resident of St. Albans Township. Donna Herring, of Alexandria, is one of those trying to save the house. She is in the process of organizing the Friends of the Captain Scott House committee as part of the Alexandria Community Council. Within the next two weeks, the committee should be able to accept donations through the council's nonprofit status. On Tuesday, she approached Alexandria Village Council about the possibility of buying the house so it could be used for a museum or community center. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS01/610260327/1002/rss01
December 7, 200618 yr From ThisWeek Worthington, 11/16/06: Council seeks details of I-270/Rt. 23 plans Thursday, November 16, 2006 By CANDY BROOKS ThisWeek Staff Writer Reconstruction of the interchange at I-270 and North High Street will not start for five years, but state and city officials on Monday night began looking at some of the aesthetic details. Worthington City Council members said they want to see drawings of the new exit from I-270 eastbound to High Street before signing off on documents needed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Specifically, council would like to see a drawing of the retaining wall and how it will fit into the landscaping on the south side of the exit, near Worthington Square. The exit must be widened there to provide five lanes -- three for northbound traffic, two for southbound. The state must take some right-of-way along with land owned by the Conservatory of Piano, 60 Old W. Wilson Bridge Road, said Zoltan Szabo, ODOT design engineer. More at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=worthington&story=sites/thisweeknews/111606/Worthington/News/111606-News-262745.html
December 7, 200618 yr The "Flyover" ramps at the I-71 interchange are taking shape. It's hard to visualize where they're coming from and where they're going...unless you hang out at the wonkiest little website on the web: Urbanohio!
December 7, 200618 yr I heard there going to be done with the 71 interchange this summer! That seems kind of hard to believe but they must be doing a lot of the work at night. Although I saw a big area of dirt and construction vehicles near the beer plant while driving on 270 east near 71.
December 21, 200618 yr Area transportation project proposals shut out Business First of Columbus - 9:34 AM EST Thursday A government board that helps decide the major projects the Ohio Department of Transportation will take on has put together a preliminary list for 2008 through 2013 and no Central Ohio projects were selected. The Transportation Review Advisory Council was considering several area projects to add to either of two lists -- one list of projects that would start construction during the next few years, and another outlining projects that would begin preliminary engineering and other studies. Area projects under consideration included: - A new interchange at Interstate 71 and Route 665 in Grove City. - An overpass above Route 33 in Canal Winchester. - Track and clearance improvements, as well as a new intermodal transshipment center for CSX Corp. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/12/18/daily28.html
January 2, 200718 yr From ThisWeek Licking County, 12/3/06: 2 accesses to 161 may close permanently Morse, 539A road closures part of widening project Sunday, December 3, 2006 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer The Ohio Department of Transportation is asking Licking County to vacate portions of Morse Road and County Road 539A as part of the widening of state Route 161. "We need to abandon that so we can build the new road through there," said Randy Comisford, local programs coordinator for ODOT. "These roads cannot access the new four-lane road." Licking County commissioners will discuss the petition at 3 p.m. Monday in the Don Hill Administration Building on Second Street in downtown Newark. Information from the commissioners' office states the request is for vacating 200 feet of County Road 539A and 225 feet of Morse Road. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=lickingcounty&story=sites/thisweeknews/120306/LickingCounty/News/120306-News-272634.html
January 2, 200718 yr From the 12/5/06 Newark Advocate: Weather plays role in Ohio 161/37 expansion delay By JEN SCHERER Advocate Reporter Poor weather has delayed work on Ohio 161, and officials estimate a five-month extension to their construction time line on the Ohio 161/37 expansion project. Numan Babieh, Ohio Department of Transportation District 5 area engineer, said contractors continue to work on the project, even though rainfall in the past month has had an impact on what workers have been able to do. Recently, Babieh said the contractor primarily has been working on the structure of the Ohio 310 interchange, finishing an undercut on Mink Road, replacing some culverts and maintaining erosion control items. However, excavation and embankment work has been shut down because of the rain in the past month. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/NEWS01/612050313/1002/rss01
January 2, 200718 yr From ThisWeek Licking County, 12/10/06: Residents question Route 161 closures at Morse, 539A Sunday, December 10, 2006 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer More than 20 people spoke with Licking County commissioners Dec. 4 about two road closures associated with the widening of state Route 161. Commissioners reviewed a petition from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to vacate 200 feet of County Road 539A and 225 feet of Morse Road, both just west of Granville. Two fire chiefs asked how residents in the area might be affected by slower response times. Granville fire Chief Brad Essick said response times will be delayed to two homes, the golf course and one historic home on Morse Road when Morse is closed near Route 161 and ends in a cul-de-sac. Traffic will be rerouted to Route 161 through an access road to Outville Road. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=lickingcounty&story=sites/thisweeknews/121006/LickingCounty/News/121006-News-276625.html
January 20, 200718 yr Also posted in the "Modern Roundabouts in Ohio" thread. Delaware plans Rt. 315 roundabout Fate of Orange Road bridge not finalized JANE HAWES / COLUMBUS DISPATCH December 14, 2006 MAP: Proposed Roundabout Location Columbus Dispatch POWELL — Two roads will become one, but there’s no decision on the fate of a historic bridge. That was the plan presented last night at a forum to discuss Delaware County’s Orange Road bridge project. After nearly eight months of analyzing five options, the county engineer’s office selected one but added a twist: Orange Road will be rerouted north to join Carriage Road, and a roundabout will be built on Rt. 315 at their juncture. http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/14/20061214-D7-00.html
January 20, 200718 yr From ThisWeek Olentangy, 12/21/06: Orange Road change planned Thursday, December 21, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN TRUXALL ThisWeek Staff Writer A proposed realignment of West Orange Road was unveiled last week by the Delaware County engineer, but the fate of the historic bridge remains undetermined. The proposal would move the road 250 to 270 feet north, realigning it with Carriage Road to the west. A roundabout is planned where the roads intersect with state Route 315. http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=powell&story=sites/thisweeknews/122106/Powell/News/122106-News-282853.html
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