The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to push forward with the State Route 159/North Bridge Street corridor safety project, now steaming into its second year. This phase is touted to significantly impact traffic flow as the effort to bolster safety and diminish congestion for both drivers and walkers advances.
The work completed to date by ODOT includes utilities relocation, new LED lights along the Scioto River Bridge, and the addition of sidewalks, plus a roundabout on Stewart Road that is operational, even though its final layout is unfinished. "Construction crews made major improvements in the first year of this transformative project, but there’s a lot more work to be done," Deputy Director Mike Dombrowski said in a statement obtained by ODOT. The department is calling for continued patience as they barrel into a more disruptive stage of construction.
This year's efforts, slated to kick off in mid-March, will include the widening of the pavement on the southbound side of SR 159, installation of new lighting, traffic signals, sidewalks, and development of pocket parks. Significantly, all southbound traffic from North Plaza Blvd to Stewart Road will be detoured due to pavement replacement within the interchange area, expected to wrap up after approximately 8–9 months. "We appreciate that businesses and their customers have endured a lot of inconvenience over the past year, but we know that the inconvenience will soon lead to much safer travel and easier access to these businesses," Dombrowski added, as per ODOT.
Recognizing the disruptiveness of the ongoing project, ODOT has set a holiday construction pause akin to last year, expected to cease just before Thanksgiving. In 2027, additional, less intrusive efforts will continue. Drivers during this period are reminded by ODOT to remain vigilant and slow down for the safety of the workers and fellow road users. For the latest on the project, ODOT encourages checking their project page.
For any inquiries, ODOT has made its District Public Information Officer, Mikaela Bruning, available at 740-774-8834 or via email at [email protected] to field questions and clear any concerns from the public regarding this ongoing development.
