Project Updates

October 1, 2018:

Tree clearing is being done beginning October 2018 in preparation for relocation of utilities to make way for road construction beginning summer/fall 2019.

The road construction project is tentatively scheduled to begin with construction east of I-71 to Bale Kenyon Road and widen the road to a 3-lane section like the section that is already built at Bale Kenyon and soften the curve just east of I-71.

Road construction west of I-71 will begin in 2020 including widening for a 3-lane section, and installation of 3 new traffic signals.  Construction is tentatively scheduled to be complete by spring 2021.  There will be phased road closures during reconstruction of each segment of Powell Road with posted detours and more detailed information provided when the dates of closures are set.

The City of Columbus is also developing a project to extend Lyra Drive north to Powell Road, to be constructed in 2 phases. For more information about this project please contact the City of Columbus Department of Public Service

 

 

Project Description

Reconstruction and possible widening of East Powell Road from South Old State Road to Worthington Road. The need for improvements has been identified due to crash history, traffic congestion and lack of pedestrian infrastructure within the corridor.

Upgrades being considered include:

  • Traffic signals or roundabouts at several of the higher traffic intersections within this corridor, such as Coldharbor Drive, Walker Wood Boulevard and Bale Kenyon Road.
  • Comprehensive road widening including a center turn lane and pedestrian and bicycle paths.

The Delaware County Engineer’s Office will be seeking comments and suggestions about various alternatives for this project.

Note: Improvements to the intersection of East Powell Road and South Old State are being done as part of the South Old State Road Improvements Project.

 

Project Location and Limits:
Approximately 2 miles of East Powell Road (County Road 14) from South Old State Road to Worthington Road.

 

Construction Updates

March 4, 2017 Construction Update:
Phase 1 construction will resume on or about March 13, 2017 and will include a closure of East Powell Road from Hickory Ridge Court to Bale Kenyon Road. Powell Road from Bale Kenyon Road to Worthington Road will remain open to traffic during this phase. This will be the final portion of Phase 1 of the East Powell Road Improvements and will include a new traffic signal at Bale Kenyon Road and a 3 or 4 lane section from Hickory Ridge Court to Worthington Road.

The portion between Hickory Ridge Court and Bale Kenyon Road was originally scheduled to be complete by November 1, 2016 however it was delayed by relocation of electric and telecommunication utility facilities.

 

Project Update – Preferred Alternative and Construction Phasing:

Preferred Alternative:

After consideration of the public input received and evaluating the feasibility of both the roundabout and signalized intersection alternative, the Delaware County Engineer has chosen to move forward with the signalized intersection alternative for the following reasons:

  • The traffic signals with turn lanes require less additional right of way and have less property impact near the intersection
  • The traffic signals operate more efficiently during peak travel periods because the traffic signals can be coordinated traffic volumes on the side streets are very low relative to volumes on Powell Road during those periods

The preferred alternative will include a 3-lane section (with center turn lane) and roadside grading to accommodate future paths and sidewalks. Delaware County intends to work with Orange Township to seek funding to construct sidewalks and/or paths as a future project.

View Preferred alternative typical roadway section

 

Construction Phasing:
The first phase of the project will involve the section of East Powell Road from Hickory Ridge Court to Worthington Road and will include a new traffic signal at Bale Kenyon Road. This section will be built in conjunction with the proposed extension of Gemini Place/Ikea Way in 2016.

The second phase of the project will include the section of East Powell Road from Old State Road to Hickory Ridge Court. Construction is scheduled to start in 2019.

 

Exhibits from Public Meeting:
The exhibits that were displayed at the open house on April 11 are listed below. Please take a moment to review these exhibits and let us know your suggestions about the project by April 26. You can submit your comments using the comment form shown below, or you can contact the project manager at the address shown below:

Andrew Fortman, Design Engineer
Delaware County Engineer’s Office
delcoeng@co.delaware.oh.us

 

 

Notice of Public Meeting

The Delaware County Engineer’s Office would like to invite you to an informational meeting about planned improvements to East Powell Road from South Old State Road to Worthington Road. The County Engineer is considering a number of improvements including widening the road, upgrading intersections, improving safety of existing curves, constructing a multi-use path and/or sidewalks and various drainage improvements within this corridor. Maps and other information about several alternatives being considering will be available for your review. The meeting will be held:

Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Orange Township Hall
1680 E. Orange Road,
Lewis Center, OH 43035

The meeting is being held in conjunction with the Orange Township Parks Department Open House and will be in an open house format; you are free to come and go as your schedule allows and there will be no formal presentation. Representatives from the County Engineer’s Office and the design consultant will be available to answer your questions about the project. If you are unable to attend the meeting, the information displayed at the meeting will also be available on the Delaware County Engineer’s website.

If you need special assistance, please contact Andrew Fortman, Design Engineer, at (740) 833-2400. Any comments you have about the project alternatives should be submitted no later than April 26, 2013 to the following:

Andrew Fortman, Design Engineer
Delaware County Engineer’s Office
50 Channing Street
Delaware, Ohio 43015
delcoeng@co.delaware.oh.us

 

 

Road Closure Information

Maintenance of traffic plan for the project is currently under design.

 

Project Schedule

Design engineering: 2012-15

Right-of-way acquisition: 2014-16

Utility relocation: 2015-16

Construction: 2015-17

 

Engineering Information

Preliminary engineering by Burgess & Niple, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio.

 

Construction Information

Project to be advertised for competitive bidding.

 

Estimated Project Cost

The estimates of cost range from $10 million to $13 million.

 

Questions or Comments

Your comments or suggestions are important and we would like to hear from you about the project. Please contact Andrew Fortman, Project Engineer at 740-833-2400 or send your questions or comments to delcoeng@co.delaware.oh.us.