ODOT paving the way for Intel

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NEW ALBANY — Roadwork is already taking place on Johnstown Road (U.S. Route 62) in advance of the construction of the new Intel facilities in what’s being called the “Silicon Heartland.”

Widening and intersection improvements are continuing at two sections of U.S. 62 and are expected to be completed in October, the Ohio Department of Transportation said.

First, U.S. 62 is being widened for a two-way left turn lane between Village Square Shopping Center and Westview Drive. Two-way traffic is being maintained.

The other project on U.S. 62 is intermittent daytime lane closures between Tippet and Fancher roads for intersection improvements at Beech Road. Fancher Road goes into Harlem Township in Delaware County. Flaggers will maintain traffic.

“Planned transportation improvements in the area will be completed in the coming years to accommodate the additional traffic expected from future development, including Intel,” said a traffic advisory from ODOT. “Projects will be constructed by both state and local governments, with varying impacts to traffic. Please note that all work is weather dependent.”

According to Wikipedia, U.S. 62 starts just into Kentucky, crosses the Ohio River, goes through Columbus and Licking County, into Youngstown, and ends in Pennsylvania near Interstate 80. Junctions include state Route 3, U.S. Route 36 and Interstate 71.

Another ODOT summer project in the area that has already been completed was a culvert replacement on state Route 37 south of state Route 310 near Delia Court.

Also in the area, the City of New Albany has already made improvements to Jug Street and has closed Clover Valley Road to through traffic from Jug Street or Miller Road for the foreseeable future.

“For additional information about transportation improvements in the New Albany area, please visit NewAlbanySiliconHeartland.com,” ODOT said.

As a result of this work, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is amending its 2020-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

“The MTP amendment would reflect the planned state and local investments in infrastructure improvements that will support the Intel site development located in New Albany, Ohio,” MORPC said last month. “The MTP is the long-range planning document that identifies transportation deficiencies, policies, strategies and projects in MORPC’s federally designated metropolitan transportation planning area. The area includes Delaware County; Franklin County; Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County; New Albany, Pataskala and Etna Township in Licking County; and Jerome Township in Union County.”

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden will be visiting Licking County next month to “deliver remarks on rebuilding American manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at the groundbreaking of the new Intel semiconductor manufacturing facility,” the White House said.

Widening Johnstown Road (U.S. Route 62) is a priority in the area where the new Intel plants will be built.
https://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2022/08/web1_DSCF9118.jpgWidening Johnstown Road (U.S. Route 62) is a priority in the area where the new Intel plants will be built. Gary Budzak | The Gazette

By Gary Budzak

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Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County. He may be reached at the above email address or on Twitter @GaryBudzak.

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