The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is seeking feedback on a number of road projects set to begin in the coming years.
The $270 million projects span several central Ohio counties, including Franklin, Fairfield and Licking. MORPC is currently asking the Ohio Department of Transportation for funding for these projects, and construction would begin in 2025 or 2026.
“Central Ohio is growing rapidly – on pace to reach 3.15 million people by 2050. Projects like these are essential to preparing for and accommodating this growth within our mobility network,” MORPC Chief Mobility and Infrastructure Officer and Senior Director of Programming Parag Agrawal said in a press release.
Those interested in commenting on the projects can email trac@morpc.org or send written feedback to Shelby Oldroyd at 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215. The deadline for feedback is August 16, 2024 at 5 p.m., according to the press release.
Here are five of MORPC’s big projects they want the public to comment on.
Interstate 71 emergency lane/smart lane
This project would create an emergency lane on Interstate 71 between Fifth Avenue and Route 161 in Columbus. An emergency lane with emergency lane is a paved shoulder that is open to traffic during peak hours. The project would also rehabilitate bridges and resurface the roadway.
MORPC is asking ODOT for $100 million for construction in fiscal year 2026.
I-71 and Taylor Road/Route 256 interchanges
This project will improve the Interstate 70 interchanges at Route 256 and Taylor Road in Fairfield and Licking counties. Crews will realign the ramps, add additional lanes, build a new bridge and add turn lanes.
MORPC is asking ODOT for $7 million to acquire property for the project, which begins in fiscal year 2025.
U.S. Route 33 Southeast Corridor (Interstate 270 to Fairfield County)
This project will widen U.S. Route 33 from four to six lanes between Interstate 270 and Diley Road in Fairfield County. Crews will also upgrade the interchanges at I-270 and US 33, US 33 and Bixby Road and US 33 and Rager Road. The intersection at Rager Road will become two dead ends.
MORPC is asking ODOT for $145 million for construction in fiscal year 2026.
Dublin Emerald connector
This project involves the construction of a new bridge with pedestrian and bicycle facilities over I-270, connecting Emerald Parkway to Village Parkway in Dublin.
The City of Dublin is asking ODOT for $5 million for construction in fiscal year 2026.
North node
This project will improve infrastructure on Route 315, Olentangy River Road, Lane Avenue and Kinnear Road near the Ohio State University campus. Crews will work on bridges, signals, intersections, interchanges and ramps.
The city of Columbus is requesting $7.8 million to begin construction in fiscal year 2026.
Projects of the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization
MORPC’s rural counterpart, the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO), is also requesting funding for two projects. They are:
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus roads: I-71, Route 315 and more under construction
