CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Just in time for the holiday shopping season, drivers in Chillicothe now have a new way to access shops and restaurants along North Bridge Street as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) wraps up a major safety and infrastructure project.
A new roundabout at River Trace and Consumer Center Drive is part of the broader $17.7 million S.R. 159/Bridge Street corridor improvement project, stretching from Riverside Street/Consumer Center Drive to the Chillicothe Mall. The project, fully funded following a $7.1 million commitment by ODOT’s Transportation Review Advisory Council in March 2023, aims to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and upgrade infrastructure along this busy corridor.
Other key improvements include:
- A northbound lane from Stewart Road to north of Pawnee Road
- A southbound drop lane to the US 35 west ramp
- A new access road (Marietta Road) behind Applebee’s and Raising Cane’s
- Shared-use paths and sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists
- Reconfigured Stewart/Consumer Center intersection
- Realigned US 35 interchange ramps with new 9-inch concrete pavement
- Upgraded traffic signals at seven intersections
- Aesthetic enhancements to improve the corridor’s appearance
The project was prompted by high crash rates, especially rear-end collisions, recorded between 2014 and 2018. It followed a feasibility study in May 2020, stakeholder meetings in November 2020, and public outreach in 2021.
ODOT’s traffic maintenance plan ensures two to three northbound lanes remain open during the later phases of construction, with southbound lanes detoured except for the westbound US 35 ramp. Earlier phases maintained traffic in both directions, minimizing disruptions to commuters and shoppers.
With the roundabout now complete, locals and visitors can enjoy easier access to shopping and dining along the corridor just in time for Christmas.
