The “trench” currently under construction on the Interstate 270/U.S. Route 23 North Side Fix project in Columbus can be a challenge for motorists. But ODOT is using online video animation to help drivers travel safely through the area.

As part of the $75 million project, two new express lanes for U.S. 23 northbound traffic are being constructed in the middle of the roadway. This has formed a trench slightly more than three- quarters of a mile long, about 25 ft. (7.6 m) below the street surface, with shoulders on the sides. Drivers heading to Delaware County or points north will access the trench after they exit the I-270/U.S. 23 Interchange. This is the first highway project in central Ohio to ever build a trench, and it has generated several questions from motorists travelling through the project.

In July, District 6 posted an animated video to the Web site showing the trench from several viewpoints, including from behind the wheel and from the air.

“The video animation is in response to dozens of inquiries from the motoring public,” said ODOT District 6 Deputy Director Ferzan M. Ahmed. “Because the trench is a new concept for many central Ohio drivers, we felt the video animation explaining how it will work when completed was the way to go.”

To view the animation, visit the project Web site at www.270-23.com.

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