How Ohio Plans to Improve Route 161 Connecting Columbus and Newark
A multi-million cash infusion from the state will allow a project to widen Route 161 in Ohio to proceed.
Renovations are part of a $110 million project to improve local roadways ahead of a new Intel computer chip factory slated for Newark.
The highway project is intended to ease traffic congestion and reduce the risk of serious injury-causing and fatal car accidents. However, some concerns have been raised that it will do the opposite.
Ohio highway safety
Safety advocates questioning the 161 project point to research that suggests adding lanes may encourage more urban sprawl and traffic accidents.
The theory of "induced travel" suggests that, instead of better accommodating the vehicles now using the roadway, the expanding lanes may attract additional motorists who previously avoided the road. After all the work, 161 (aka E Dublin Granville Road in Columbus) could still have more vehicles than it can handle.
Safety advocates are asking politicians in Columbus, Newark, and Franklin County to consider expanding public transportation to offset a potential swell of new highway users.
Ohio Route 161
Ohio's Route 161 can be a busy and dangerous roadway. In June, a hit-and-run on 161 in Columbus left one person in critical condition.
The number of vehicles on local roads has increased recently due to rapid population growth and is expected to increase further due to work opportunities. In addition, Intel's factory is projected to create thousands of new jobs and grow the state's technological industry, spurring politicians to build a $1 billion incentive package, which includes $110 million in roadway projects.
Ohio's plans for Route 161 involve widening the highway by one lane between I-270 and Route 62. Once work is complete, there will be three lanes on each side of the highway. The state will also widen I-270 and expand Mink Road to four lanes.
Columbus car accident attorneys
Whether driving on Route 161 or another highway in Columbus, it's important to remember that it only takes one negligent driver to cause a crash resulting in severe injuries.
Some car accident injuries can keep you from enjoying your life or going to work. In addition, chronic pain and lifelong disabilities are common after serious car accidents.
If you were injured in a crash that was not your fault, you deserve compensation for your losses. A car accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence, deal with the insurance company, and fight to get maximum compensation for your injuries and other accident-related expenses.
At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we have recovered more than $200 million for our clients. We conduct thorough investigations, build strong cases, and never settle for less than our clients deserve. If necessary, we aren't afraid to take the fight to court.
See how an experienced Columbus car accident attorney can help you, and contact us today for a free consultation with our law firm. There are no obligations, and everything you tell us will remain confidential.
We also represent crash victims on contingency. That means no upfront or out-of-pocket money is required, and you pay no fees unless we win your case. To learn more, give us a call today. Our offices are in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia.