Multiple events will take place at Ohio Stadium in April. During these events, the Olentangy Trail reroute around Ohio Stadium will be moved east to Tuttle Park Place. As area event preparations occur and event-related traffic increases, the adjustment will be in place beginning the morning before the event.
April Events
A stormwater detention system with the ability to hold up to seven acre-feet (more than two million gallons) of storm water is being installed at the Cannon Drive Relocation – Phase 2 site.
Crews start by digging out the site and preparing the sub-grade. Next, geogrid is placed in the base stone, followed by installation of Storm Traps. Once complete, the system will temporarily store runoff underground before releasing it at a controlled rate to avoid flooding and other effects of stormwater runoff.
The Cannon Drive Relocation – Phase 2 project is on track to be completed by January 2025. FOD and construction crews are working on utility installation. Certified flood levee construction is paused, per weather restrictions, and will resume in April. Since September 2023, crews have opened Herrick Drive, built the Lincoln Parking lot, demolished the Drake Performance Center and performed work on the levee.
The Olentangy Trail detour, previously anticipated to open at the end of November, will remain in place through summer 2024 to support continued levee work as part of the Cannon Drive Relocation – Phase 2 project, which will add a 500-year flood protection for Ohio State’s Columbus campus.
As early as November 6 and continuing through the end of January 2024, the demolition of the Drake Performance Center will occur. Fencing around the site will remain in place. Additional noise associated with the demolition will take place Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. An increase in construction vehicle traffic is also anticipated.
Construction on the Cannon Drive Relocation Phase 2 project is almost at the halfway point. At about 40% completion, between 30 and 50 workers make their way to the site daily aiming for a December 2024 completion date.
Crews are currently working on opening the Herrick intersection, preparing to demolish Drake Union and continuing work on the levee.
Safety remains top of mind for everyone on the site. Workers participate in daily ‘toolbox talks’ and weekly site safety discussions.
Updated: September 27, 2023
Traffic Impacts
Cannon Drive Relocation – Phase 2 progress continues. The intersection of John Herrick Drive and Cannon Drive, originally anticipated to reopen in August 2023, will reopen in late September 2023. This change provides additional time to complete required infrastructure-related roadway work in the area. The Campus Area Bus Service Med Center Express and Campus Loop South routes will continue to use Cannon Drive during this time. The Olentangy Trail reroute will remain in place through November.
Cannon Drive Relocation – Phase 2 rebuilds the roadway between John Herrick Drive and Woody Hayes Drive at its current elevation and constructs a certified ODNR flood protection levee. When finished, the project will add up to 500-year flood protection for the Columbus campus.
Currently, crews are working to build the levee and the associated utilities through the Herrick and Cannon intersection as well as preparing Drake Union for demolition.
From May 25 through May 27, the Olentangy Trail reroute around Ohio Stadium will be moved east to Tuttle Park Place. The adjustment will be in place as preparations take place adjacent to Ohio Stadium for the Buckeye Country Superfest event on May 27. Additional event-related traffic is anticipated in the area during these times.
