THEN AND NOW: RT. 315 EXIT TO LANE AVENUE
Submitted by Karen Williams. Edited by Kristin Greenberg.
WHERE IS THIS?
For many decades, the “Lane Avenue” sign at right has called us home as we head north on Rt. 315. The “Freeway Ends” sign in the 1970s photo, however, no longer applies to this major thoroughfare in Columbus. Riverside Hospital and its legendary curve is north of these photos.
1970s.
2022.
Lawrence E Hughes, an Upper Arlington resident, was a politician. He served in the 66th and the 58th district of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1969 to 1982. He is credited as the major influence on the creation of state Route 315. In 2019, Mr. Hughes was recognized with a Wall of Honor plaque located outside the Upper Arlington Municipal Building on Tremont Road.
1969 map - Courtesy of Franklin County Engineers Office.
1972 map - Courtesy of Franklin County Engineers Office.
No Rte. 315 appears on this 1969 map. In 1972, the route ends at Ackerman Road, which is the “Freeway Ends - 3/4 mile” reference in the 1970s picture above.
It was no small task trying to extend this freeway. It needed to be constructed in a manner that would not interfere or impact the Ohio State University, Union Cemetery, Riverside Hospital, The Knolls, Upper Arlington or Olentangy River.
According to a Dispatch Moment in Time article published March 4, 2019, Rte. 315 had been in development since the early 1960s and ultimately connected downtown Columbus with the northern section of I-270. In 1980, two unfinished sections of Rte. 315 remained:
(1) from Ackerman Road north to Henderson Road, and
(2) from Bethel Road north to Interstate 270.
The article reports that the final section - the iconic hospital curve - was completed in July 1981, making the “Freeway ends” sign obsolete.
1983 map with the completed Rt. 315 “hospital curve” - Courtesy of Franklin County Engineers Office.
As of May 18, 2005 per revised code section 5533.90 the portion of Rte. 315 from King Avenue to the Delaware Franklin County line is known as the Lawrence E. Hughes Memorial Highway.
Photo courtesy of Karen Williams
Interesting note: Before there was a 270, 315, or I-71, there was the National Road. This was the first federally funded road in the United States. Construction began in 1811. This road went through Columbus, Ohio. Today it is known as Route 40/Broad Street. There are mile markers along this historic path. The National Road is iconic, as is Route 66 sung by Nat King Cole, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.”