The Ohio Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin construction the second week of July on eight noise walls along portions of State Route 161. Work will continue throughout this year and for most of next year, with an estimated completion date in fall 2026.

These walls are part of the broader SR-161 improvement project, which added a third lane in each direction of the heavily congested 6.3-mile stretch of SR-161 between I-270 and US-62. All six lanes were opened to traffic last November; however, crews are now finishing final surface paving and lighting installation. Drivers may encounter overnight lane and ramp closures over the next few weeks as crews complete this work.

The noise walls, also known as sound barriers, are designed to reduce highway traffic noise for nearby residents and businesses.

According to ODOT, Gov. Mike DeWine had prioritized the SR-161 widening project in expectation of increased traffic from large-scale economic development projects in the area, including the Intel fabs. Between 2014 and 2024, traffic had already increased from 66,000 vehicles a day to 83,000 vehicles a day.

When the new lanes opened last fall, Gov. DeWine said, “This roadway expansion is part of our commitment to addressing the transportation needs in Central Ohio. As this region continues to grow, we are working to ensure that our infrastructure evolves to meet the current and future transportation demands in a manner that focuses on keeping drivers and passengers safe.”