After years of planning and construction, Cannon Drive Relocation – Phase 2 is nearly complete, marking a major milestone on the Columbus campus. This transformative project has rebuilt the roadway between John Herrick Drive and Woody Hayes Drive at its current elevation, while constructing a certified Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) flood protection levee, resulting in up to 500-years of flood protection for the Ohio State University campus, ensuring safety and resilience for decades to come.
“Back in 2011, I attended a Framework meeting where this audacious plan was presented,” said Tom Ekegren, director of projects for Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) and project manager of Cannon Drive Relocation – Phase 1 and 2. “Realigning a main roadway and building a levee adjacent to a medical center, dormitories and Ohio Stadium is a dream project for any civil engineer. It has been an incredible learning experience, and I’m proud to have been part of this major milestone.”
While the roadway and levee are now operational, there is still some work to be done. FDC crews are working with the ODNR and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to re-map the flood insurance rate maps to adjust the limits of the floodplain through campus. Various punch list items will be complete by mid 2025.