CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The City of Chillicothe has announced additional details regarding the upcoming State Route 159 (Bridge Street) Corridor Improvement Project, a $17.7 million initiative aimed at improving safety, reducing congestion, and upgrading infrastructure along one of the city’s busiest roadways.
The project, spearheaded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) – District 9, focuses on the Bridge Street corridor between Riverside Street and the Chillicothe Mall. Key upgrades include an additional northbound through lane, better lane utilization for southbound traffic, and expanded pedestrian infrastructure.
Planned Improvements
The S.R. 159/Bridge Street project will bring significant changes to five major intersections and the U.S. 35 interchange:
- New Third Northbound Lane – A third northbound through lane will be added from Stewart Road to north of Pawnee Avenue (Chillicothe Mall entrance).
- Roundabout Construction – A roundabout will replace the current intersection at Stewart Road, Consumer Center Drive, and Nourse Automall to improve traffic flow.
- Lane Reassignments – Southbound lanes on Bridge Street will be realigned to enhance lane utilization.
- New Local Roadway – A road will be built behind Applebee’s and Raising Cane’s, connecting North Plaza Boulevard and Marietta Road to ease congestion.
- U.S. 35 Interchange Updates – The eastbound off-ramp will undergo a minor realignment, while the current slip ramp to southbound Bridge Street will be removed. Asphalt pavement on Bridge Street through the interchange will be replaced with concrete for better durability.
- Traffic Signal Enhancements – Upgraded signals will improve traffic flow throughout the corridor.
- Expanded Pedestrian Facilities – New sidewalks and a multi-use path will be installed along both sides of Bridge Street, with the east side path extending from the Scioto River bridge to the U.S. 35 westbound off-ramp.
Project Background and Funding
Between 2014 and 2018, several intersections along Bridge Street were identified as high-risk areas due to frequent rear-end collisions and traffic congestion. A feasibility study was completed in May 2020, followed by government stakeholder meetings and public outreach in 2020 and 2021.
In March 2023, ODOT’s Transportation Review Advisory Council approved an additional $7.1 million in construction funding, allowing the project to move forward with its full funding of $17.7 million.
With these improvements, officials aim to enhance traffic efficiency, increase pedestrian safety, and support economic growth in one of Chillicothe’s most traveled corridors.
