New Roadway, Sidewalks, Curbs Included In Henderson Road Project
Clintonville neighborhood leaders and business owners joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City Council members and the Franklin County Engineer's Office today to celebrate the completion of the Henderson Road Project between North High Street and State Route 315. Henderson Road is scheduled to open to traffic in both directions at 5 p.m., Friday, October 30.
"A revitalized Henderson Road will be safer for motorists and pedestrians for decades to come, and the wider sidewalk on bridge over the Olentangy River will increase the safety for pedestrians and cyclists using the bike path," said Mayor Coleman. "This investment is essential for the future of Clintonville as a neighborhood and Columbus as a whole."
A fully reconstructed roadway from the surface down to its roadbed is at the center of the project, which also includes—
- A resurfaced deck on the bridge over the Olentangy River, completed in cooperation with the Franklin County Engineer's Office
- A wider, safer bike path on the south end of the bridge
- 1.1 miles of new sidewalks on both sides of the street
- New curbs
- 41 new ADA curb ramps
- New traffic signals at the High Street and Olentangy Boulevard intersections
- New storm sewers and water lines
- Improved storm water runoff, erosion control, retention of existing trees and shrubs and planting of new street trees
"The utilities improvements connected with this project will better the lives of families that live in this area," said Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Utilities Committee. "The storm sewer improvements will provide for faster drainage from yards and streets during storms and will provide increased water pressure for homeowners and fire hydrants, improving public safety."
The widened path on the bridge's south side replaces a narrow sidewalk that prevented two-way bicycle and pedestrian traffic over the bridge. The old chain-link fence that provided the only separation between cyclists, walkers and other bike path users from Henderson Road eastbound vehicle traffic has been replaced with a concrete retaining wall.
"The Clintonville community is delighted," said Clintonville Area Commission Chair D Searcy. "This much-needed project is being completed on schedule and within one construction season. The city and contractor worked with the neighborhood effectively to minimize construction complaints and difficulties."
Started April 17, Henderson is the second major roadway running east and west through Clintonville to undergo improvements this year. The Cooke Road bridge over Adena Brook, between High Street and Indianola Avenue, was rehabilitated this summer. The $170,000, five-week project was completed by the Franklin County Engineer's Office August 14.
