Starting in June, construction crews will begin revitalizing a long-neglected and congested strip of North High Street.
The result could mean backed-up traffic on High Street for months, until the construction is proposed to be completed in the fall of 2009.
"There's going to be one lane both directions on High Street, and some streets that cross High Street, they're going to go down," said Mary Webster, assistant director of public service for the city of Columbus, "and there may be some short closures on the side streets. North Street will be temporarily switched to a two-way street."
The proposed plan, which will cost $13.5 million, is part of the city of Columbus' Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program, according to a project document.
The bulk of the construction will take place on High Street from Lane Avenue up to Arcadia Avenue, including all side streets up to the first alley, Dodridge Street to Neil Avenue and north on Neil to Glen Echo Ravine. Hudson Street work extends from Neil to East Avenue.
The focus of the construction will be on separating sewer lines that carry stormwater drainage from those which carry sanitary flow to comply with EPA guidelines.
However, it will also bring new sidewalks, traffic lights, the removal of overhead electric lines and several other street improvements to the area.
"It's the sewer separation that's very necessary," Webster said. "The neighborhood had asked for newer sidewalks and they didn't want overhead utilities."
The intersection of Hudson and High Street will also be widened during the construction, adding additional turn lanes on Hudson Street to bring about a smoother traffic flow in the congested area, Webster said.
Although the construction will bring headaches and frustration for drivers, officials say the construction will alleviate future stress.
"Yeah, there's going to be traffic congestion. But that's a price that you pay for progress," Webster said.
Ultimately, Webster said the goal of the project is to revitalize the area while bringing the necessary sewer and water-line upgrades.
"It's a streetscape improvement. We hope it re-energizes the area and the sewer separation is a very good environmental thing," Webster said. "It's going to make it a smoother ride and better ride for people in cars and on bikes, a better walk for people using sidewalks and it's going to be prettier."
Eric House can be reached at house.93@osu.edu.
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