COLUMBUS, Ohio — If you travel on State Route 161 from I-270 to U.S. 62, you’ll notice some more wiggle room this week.
What was previously a four-lane road is now six, three each direction. Members of the Ohio Department of Transportation were joined by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to celebrate Friday.
"This roadway expansion is part of our commitment to addressing the transportation needs in Central Ohio," DeWine said in a press release. "As this region continues to grow, we are working to ensure that our infrastructure evolves to meet current and future transportation demands in a manner that focuses on keeping drivers and passengers safe."
This project, the release states, was prioritized due to “large-scale economic development projects in the area.”
Intel’s massive chip-manufacturing facility is being built in nearby New Albany, in Licking County.
ODOT says that the widened portion of SR-161 sees around 83,000 vehicles every day, compared to only 66,000 10 years ago. They also expect the rate of accidents to decrease with the wider road.
The ramp off SR-161 west onto I-270 north was also widened as part of this project. Final paving of all lanes will occur in spring, according to the release, and noise walls will also be installed in some areas at a future date.
“Today marks a pivotal achievement in enhancing the safety and efficiency of this highway,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “The addition of these lanes will not only alleviate congestion for the many commuters on this route but will also contribute to safer travel for all the tens of thousands of people who use this vital corridor each day.”