Franklinton Highway Impact Mitigation
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Date
2025-05
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Abstract
In April 2024, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) clear-cut approximately 6 acres within beauty strips along the northside of I-70 westbound and the west side of State Route 315. ODOT is only permitted to clear land 30 feet from the right-of-way on I-70 eastbound and certain areas to improve drainage, yet they clear-cut all trees in the beauty strip beyond this 30 ft onto land owned by the City of Columbus (ODOT, 2020). The clear-cut has sparked outrage among community members, who have lost the only barrier between their homes and I-70/I-71, as ODOT has failed to install a warranted sound wall along this stretch. According to ODOT, a sound wall installation will not be initiated until the next construction phase, which will be in approximately 2035. With construction bidding only starting in 2035, the community cannot expect a completed sound wall until 2050. With the clearing of the vegetative barrier protecting houses from the I-70, the residents of Thomas Ave lost their only protection from highway debris, noise, and air pollution. The lack of any barrier between the highway and this neighborhood is a systemic issue, a public health hazard, and a safety concern.
Description
Course Code: ENR 4900.01
Keywords
Highway Impacts, Noise Mitigation, Urban Forestry, Franklinton, Columbus, Local Government