Explanation
BACKGROUND
The junction of interstate freeways I-70 and I-71 in downtown Columbus accommodates approximately 146,000 motorists daily, significantly exceeding the safe capacity of the existing roadway design. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), their studies conclude that:
· Current traffic volume exceeds the design capacity of the highway, contributing to congestion and delay. Traffic peaks at around 7 a.m. and continues at near peak until 7 p.m.
· Crash data shows 1,225 accidents in the project area each year, more than three crashes every day. The overlapping of the two interstates forces drivers to weave through lanes, causing demanding decisions for drivers and increasing the number of conflict points.
· The pavement for the majority of the freeway system is rated favorably, however the pavement in the I-70/I-71 overlap area is fair to poor, indicating a need for resurfacing in the near future. The South Innerbelt is a vital transportation link for freight traffic with about 30 percent of all freight moving in Ohio traveling through this area.
· There are a number of social and physical environmental conditions in the area that must be carefully considered as various solutions are proposed.
The project reconstructs the I-670/71 interchange and involves 21 mainline, ramp and overhead bridges. Three cap structures will be constructed at the Spring Street and Long Street bridge crossings. Work on I-71 extends from Jack Gibbs Boulevard to Long Street and work on I-670 eastbound extends from west of Cleveland Avenue to east of St. Clair Avenue.
ODOT and its consultant team have a renewed commitment to work closely with neighborhood stakeholders and the Columbus City Council on the detailed design of the project, and have agreed to conduct a coordinated public involvement effort to finalize the design of the previously mentioned caps (FRA-71-17.60, PID 77369). ODOT has stated that "The number one goal o...
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