The Ohio Department of Transportation is proposing a 2019 project to improve the intersection of U.S. Route 33/Riverside Drive and Fishinger Road in Perry Township.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is proposing a 2019 project to improve the intersection of U.S. Route 33/Riverside Drive and Fishinger Road in Perry Township.

ODOT made the announcement Jan. 10, stating in a press release it also plans to upgrade pavement and drainage.

According to the release, ODOT is proposing to construct a second northbound left-turn lane from Route 33 to westbound Fishinger Road and a dedicated right-turn lane from southbound Route 33 to westbound Fishinger.

Additionally, plans call for creating a two-way left-turn lane on Route 33 from Nottingham Road north to the dedicated left-turn lane, as well as enhancements to pedestrian facilities.

ODOT's release said traffic would be maintained during the work.

Construction tentatively is scheduled for 2019 and is expected to last about seven months.

Although it's in Perry Township, the intersection is near municipal boundaries with the Columbus and Upper Arlington and also feeds traffic to and from Hilliard and Dublin.

Last month, Upper Arlington City Council President Debbie Johnson said she expected the city to work with other jurisdictions to enhance traffic flow and safety in the area.

"For me, it's improving safety, but I think there could possibly be some infrastructure (upgrades)," Johnson said. "We need to find ways to help facilitate left-hand turns and look at speed limits through there. We need to look at how we can help make things safe and still move traffic."

ODOT's press release said the project is adjacent to Griggs Reservoir Park and that approximately 0.35 acre of permanent right of way and 0.11 acre of temporary right of way from Griggs Reservoir Park would be required for this project. A total of 16 trees also would be removed under the proposal.

ODOT is seeking public input regarding the potential effects on Griggs Reservoir Park. Comments may be provided to Eric Sainey by mail at ODOT District 6, 400 E. Williams St., Delaware, OH 43015, by phone at 740-833-8065 or by email at Eric.Sainey@dot.ohio.gov. Comments must be received by Feb. 11.

Look for additional information about the proposed project in the Jan. 19 edition of ThisWeek.

nellis@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekNate