Lower Olentangy Tunnel Project Update

The crews within Harrison West are making good progress. The drop structure at the end of West Second Ave near the Olentangy river should be completed in early July 2025. Once the top is installed, fence removal and park restoration efforts will begin near the river. Trees won’t be able to planted until fall, but nearly all of the area should be cleared and the alley connection reopened.

The crew at West Second Ave and Perry St are on schedule to have that structure finished up sometime in August 2025. Once completed, fence removal will start at that location and re-establishing the utilities along with the road reconstruction will begin. There will be a lot of work remaining but the roads should at least be accessible. There could be small lane closures during that time.

(Project Background: The Lower Olentangy Tunnel project in Columbus, Ohio, is a $250 million initiative designed to reduce sewage overflows into the Olentangy River and improve water quality. The tunnel, which is approximately 3.5 miles long, is expected to be completed in 2026 and will enhance the city’s capacity to manage stormwater during heavy rains.)