The $160 million U.S. Route 33 Nelsonville Bypass is a three-phase, 8.5-mile new construction of four-lane highway through Athens and Hocking County Ohio with a large portion bisecting Wayne National Forest, Ohio’s only National Forest. The new alignment consists of two major interchanges into the historic town of Nelsonville. The full length of the bypass will open September 2013.
PHASE 1
Contractor: Kokosing Construction Co., Westerville, Ohio
Owner: Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Investment: $23 Million
Start Date: October 2007
End Date: July 2009
Summary/Goal: Construct nearly a half mile of new four-lane highway while protect the natural environment and wildlife of Wayne National Forest as well as limit the impact to those living and traveling through Nelsonville. While Phase I was under construction District 10 was finalizing phase II and III. Phase I was the catalyst for receiving nearly $150 million of funding for Phase II and III.
PHASE 2
Contractor: Kokosing Construction Co., Westerville, Ohio
Owner: ODOT
Investment: $45.2 Million
Start Date: October 13, 2009
End Date: Opened to public October 2012, nearly nine months ahead of schedule
Summary/Goal: Construct 4.56 miles new four-lane highway including the west side interchange as well as the construction of four new bridges. The ultimate goal was to protect the natural environment and wildlife of Wayne National Forest.
PHASE 3
Contractor: Beaver Excavating, Canton, Ohio
Owner: Ohio Department of Transportation
Investment: $92.2 Million
Start Date: October 13, 2009
End Date: Estimated to open September 2013
Summary/Goal: Phase III begins on the east side of Nelsonville and includes construction of 3.87 miles of four-lane highway. Also included in Phase III is the construction of the US 33/SR 78 /SR 691 interchange. The project will reroute SR 78 1.63 miles through the Happy Hollow area to form the interchange. The ultimate goal was to protect the natural environment and wildlife of Wayne National Forest.