Yesterday ODOT announced that they’ve made a decision on their plans for the controversial Downtown I-70/I-71 split fix project. There’s really no new surprises here… just a few decisions made over the several options previously being considered. Essentially… they’ve decided to go with the Mound/Fulton feeder alignment running east-west despite running through the front yards of Miranova and Waterford Tower. Similarly, a Lester/Parsons feeder will run north-south in a fashion that will spell the end of a few Parsons Avenue businesses.
On the bright side, several highway caps, bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks are also planned but will require some amount of local funding to develop.
The total cost of the project has jumped up again to a whopping $1.6 Billion. Construction is expected to start in 2011 and be completed by 2017. ODOT is holding a public hearing on the project on Tuesday, February 10th. Read on for details.
PUBLIC HEARING – I-70/71 — SOUTH INNERBELT – COLUMBUS, OHIO
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission – Meeting Room
111 Liberty Street, Columbus, OhioThe public is invited to attend a public hearing concerning the highway improvements being considered for I-70/71, the Columbus South Innerbelt. The purpose of these improvements is to address congestion and improve safety on I-71 and the I-70/71 overlap in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity for review and comment on the project’s Environmental Assessment and for citizens to provide feedback either through written or recorded verbal comments. The Preferred Alternative as identified by ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration will be outlined. The hearing will be conducted in an open-house format and will allow time for review of highway plans and the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction. A brief presentation will be given at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be completed at the hearing or submitted by mail before February 24, 2009.
The Environmental Assessment will also be available online at www.7071study.org and at the following locations:
– ODOT District 6 – 400 E. William Street – Delaware
– ODOT Central Office – 1980 West Broad Street – Columbus
– Columbus Library Main Branch – 96 South Grant Avenue – Columbus
– Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission – 111 Liberty Street – Columbus
– Dodge Park Recreation Center – 667 Sullivant Avenue – ColumbusPlease send comments or questions to:
Mr. Ferzan Ahmed, Project Manager
ODOT District 6
400 E. William Street
Delaware, Ohio 43015
Phone: 740-833-8367
Fax: 614-887-4605
[email protected]
More information on the project can be found online here.