What to know: Worthington bridge over Rt. 315 to close for three months

Dean Narciso, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
Mar 31, 2023; Worthington, Ohio, United States; The bike path runs under the Wilson Bridge Road bridge that will be closed for three months during improvements. Mandatory Credit: Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch
Mar 31, 2023; Worthington, Ohio, United States; The bike path runs under the Wilson Bridge Road bridge that will be closed for three months during improvements. Mandatory Credit: Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch

The West Wilson Bridge Road Bridge that crosses the freeway and Olentangy River is being "rehabilitated," officials say, requiring extensive upgrades and construction.

When will Wilson Bridge Road work start?

Preliminary work was to begin April 3, with signs posted to alert drivers of the upcoming closure. Motorists may also face temporary lane closures along West Wilson Bridge Road during the preliminary work. The official closure will be on April 17 and last about 90 days.

Will Route 315 lanes be affected?

Due to the overhead work, there may be lane restrictions on Route 315 and closures to the Olentangy Bike Trail, both of which run under the bridge. All work is weather dependent.

Mar 31, 2023; Worthington, Ohio, United States; The bike path runs under the Wilson Bridge Road bridge that will be closed for three months during improvements. Mandatory Credit: Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch
Mar 31, 2023; Worthington, Ohio, United States; The bike path runs under the Wilson Bridge Road bridge that will be closed for three months during improvements. Mandatory Credit: Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch

Why it matters

The bridge is a major traffic cross-town artery during rush hour. Motorists leaving Worthington and those entering the city from areas west, including hundreds of office workers at Worthington Industries and surrounding office parks use the roadway. And the multi-use trail below is one of the most heavily used of any in the Columbus and Metro Parks system.

What's being done

The bridge will have a new deck overlay, eliminating cracks and frequent potholes. The concrete walls will be repaired. And safety fencing will be added to the sides. Bike lanes, added a few years ago to connect areas of Worthington Hills and Columbus will be widened.

What are the detours?

Motorists will be directed to use Linworth Road and Dublin-Granville Road (Route 161) south of the bridge to get to High Street. They can also get into and out of the city via Interstate 270 via North High Street. Users of the bike path will be directed to Rieber Street and Whitney Avenue. Access to the Olentangy Parklands will remain open.

Project Updates

The project is being managed and funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT.) Traffic updates will be posted on OHGO.com

dnarciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know: Worthington bridge over Rt. 315 to close for 90 days