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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this study being conducted?
The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of converting a
12-mile section of U.S. Route 33 to a "limited access facility". A
limited access highway is accessed by interchanges only. This study will also
consider the environmental impacts, engineering feasibility and cost of
converting this highway segment to a limited access facility that will carry
the large traffic volumes projected for the future in a safe and efficient
manner.
Where is this study being conducted?
The study area focuses on a 12-mile section of U.S. Route 33 stretching from
Hamilton Road in Franklin County to Winchester Road in Fairfield County near the
Lancaster Bypass. (Refer to map)
When will this study be completed?
This study phase is expected to be completed by Winter 2003 and will
identify interchange, overpass, and roadway closure locations along the
corridor. Subsequent studies will include further environmental work along with
preliminary interchange and overpass layout design. A schedule for
subsequent study phases has yet to be determined.
What will be the final product of the first study phase?
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A documented "purpose and need" for improving this
section of U.S. Route 33. If a proposed concept does not meet the
objectives of the purpose and need,
it will not move forward for further consideration. Similarly, if there is
no demonstrated "need" for improvements, the project will not move
forward.
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An evaluation of the current traffic and safety conditions.
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An inventory and map of known environmental features.
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A forecast of how many vehicles are expected to use this
highway in the future.
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The identification of possible highway interchange
locations, overpasses, road closures, and service roads within the study corridor.
These locations will then move forward for further study.
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Preliminary cost estimates.
What will U.S. Route 33 look like when the project is finished?
U.S. Route 33 will continue to look the way it does today for a number
of years. The intent of this study is to eventually convert U.S. Route 33 to a
completely limited access facility (access to U.S. Route 33 only through
interchanges). At this time, no construction funding has been set aside
for construction.
How will this project improve my commute between Lancaster and Columbus?
The goal of the study is to eliminate traffic signals and numerous access
points along the 12-mile segment. Through the elimination of these signals and
accesses, drive time on U.S. Route 33, especially during peak hours, will be
reduced.
When will construction begin?
To date, construction funding has not been earmarked for this project. ODOT has
made application for funding to the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC)
which is an independent body of officials who decide which construction projects
across the state of Ohio should be funded in a given year. The TRAC’s rating
system is criteria-based. (www.dot.state.oh.us/trac)
ODOT will continue to apply for construction funding for this project, and at
this time, the earliest this money would be available is in State Fiscal Year
2007.
Why does this process take so long?
Making significant changes to a highway requires a significant investment of
public funds, and can affect communities for decades to come. As a result,
transportation projects must follow federally-required steps to analyze the
community and environmental impacts of various options, identify costs, and then
develop safe, well-designed and cost-effective transportation solutions that
meet our region’s mobility needs now and in the future. Additionally, plans
must be made to ensure that traffic keeps moving during the project’s
construction phase. While these steps are occurring, applications must be made
to the TRAC for very limited highway construction funds.
How many interchanges will there be, and where will they be located?
It is too early to tell how many interchanges there will be. Possible
interchange locations will be identified and shared during the course of this
study, as will the possible community and environmental impacts of each proposed
location.
How much will this cost to build?
ODOT estimates the entire project development and construction to cost $145
million. This cost estimate will be continually revised as project information
develops.
Where will the money come from?
The primary source of funds would be revenues generated from federal and
state gasoline taxes. Improvements would most likely be funded using a
combination of federal and state transportation funds. Funds from local sources
are required to demonstrate the local commitment to improving mobility for
area residents.
Who is conducting the Study?
ODOT is the lead agency working closely with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning
Commission (MORPC), the Fairfield County Planning Commission, as well as local
entities. CH2M HILL is the consulting firm hired by ODOT to assist in the study.
What is the purpose of the Steering Committee?
The purpose of the steering committee is to advise ODOT on local issues, to
ensure that local concerns are represented and considered in the decision making
process, and to facilitate consensus building, information sharing, and project
progress.
How can I get involved?
Throughout the development of this project, a number of public meetings will
be held where your input can be gathered. The first public meeting is
tentatively scheduled for fall of 2002.
If you have questions or comments prior to the first public meeting, please
feel free to contact a member of the Steering Committee (Contact Us), or you can
write us at:
Write us at:
Ohio Department of Transportation District 5
ATTN: U.S. 33 Route Access Management Study
9600 Jacksontown Road S.E.
P.O. Box 306
Jacksontown, Ohio 43030-0306
(740) 323-4400
E-mail: us33@dot.state.oh.us
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