Project Summary
The State Street Connection Project serves as an initiative to encourage economic growth and development within East Columbus by reconnecting it with Downtown Columbus. This project not only creates a safe multi-modal trail link between East Columbus and Downtown, but it enhances the corridor with special unexpected features, which are the hallmark of this community.
The following enhancements were made as part of the State Street initiative:
- Connection to the People Trail, downtown and neighborhoods
- New public green spaces
- Improvements for safer pedestrian movement
- Enhanced streetscape pedestrian spaces, new sidewalks, landscape, lights, crosswalks and public art
The project created a wider side path along the north side of State Street from Central Avenue to Mapleton Street and also included significant architectural enhancements to the Haw Creek Bridge. A new gateway feature was constructed at the intersection of Central Avenue throughout project phasing.
Phase 1: Haw Creek Bridge Improvements & Gateway
November 13, 2020 Update
Work has been completed on the State Street Trail Connection Project Phase 2 and it looks amazing! This section now safely connects State Street with the downtown area. In Spring, 2021 landscaping will be put in place for all to enjoy.
State Street Phase 2B Underway
The State Street Phase IIB project has been completed as of November, 2020.
Phase 2B encompassed the development of the north side of 3rd Street from Central Avenue to California Street, and then going north on California Street to 5th Street in a continuing effort to connect the east side of Columbus to the downtown. A 10-foot-wide multi-use trail was added at the back of the 3rd Street curb, in addition to pedestrian lighting, a 2-foot-wide brick shy zone-similar to what is already on State Street-and a brick gateway node at 3rd Street and California Street. This phase of the project began in May, 2020 and continued throughout the summer. Crews worked cooperatively with surrounding schools to minimize any issues with bus/parent traffic once school started in August.
The City has already completed Phase 1 of the State Street project, completing renovation of the State Street bridge in 2017. The State Street Trail Connection Project has had a tremendous impact on the east side corridor. The new bridge and landscaping are an inviting welcome to the area for residents and visitors to our community alike. Phase 2A of the project, a trail extension down State Street from McKinley Avenue to Indiana Avenue with an 8-foot-wide multi-use trail, was completed last year. From McKinley Avenue to Mapleton Avenue, dancing “C” panels were added representing the area’s industrial heritage. See more about Phase 1 and 2A under Redevelopment Past Projects.
United Consulting presented the plan, project schedule, and projected costs at the 11/19/2018 Columbus Redevelopment Commission meeting and requested funding at the 12/17/2018 meeting, which was approved. City Council approved funding at the 1/15/2019 meeting and it went to Board of Works on 1/22/2019. Bids were opened at the 2/19 BOW meeting. The project is projected to begin late spring and continue through the summer to avoid disrupting school traffic as much as possible. Plans are to close California during construction. Total project cost is $1,745,000. A coordination meeting occurred on 1/23 between Duke, St. Peter’s, and the City regarding the electric line burial.
