Frequent Questions

How will I know if ODOT plans to acquire my property?

There will be some new right-of-way required for this project, but it is undetermined at this point.  If your property will be affected, an ODOT-authorized agent will contact you in the future.  Right-of-way acquisition for this project will begin after design of the selected preferred alignment begins. This schedule is dependent on funding and subject to change.

Click on the following link for additional information about ODOT's policy regarding property rights:
ODOT Property Rights Brochure

What is the process if ODOT needs some of my property? What if ODOT needs to buy my house or business?

Property relocations, including houses and businesses are undetermined at this time.  If your property will be affected, ODOT will obtain an independent appraisal and present a fair market value offer.  Owners of affected homes or business will be provided with additional relocation assistance.  

Click on the following links for additional information about ODOT's policies regarding property rights and relocation assistance:
ODOT Property Rights Brochure
• ODOT Relocation Brochure

What if ODOT needs temporary access for construction or a maintenance easement?

Sometimes ODOT will need temporary access or an easement to maintain drainage structures.  Owners will be compensated for temporary right-of-way and for maintenance easements.  In these cases, you will maintain ownership of the property.  If your property will be affected, an ODOT-authorized agent will contact you.

When is construction scheduled to begin?

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.  However, this schedule is dependent on funding and subject to change.

How will the project be built?

Construction will occur in phases.  All alternatives would allow the highway to remain open during construction, and access to local residences and businesses would be maintained throughout the project duration.  

Will my commute be impacted by construction?

ODOT tries to minimize peak travel times as much as possible.  The intent of the construction sequencing will be to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction on SH-4, and one lane of traffic in each direction on Fox Lane during construction.  Temporary lane closures may be necessary at different times during the project and will be planned to occur at non-peak travel times, or at night if possible.  Traffic will crossover between old and new alignment sections using temporary lane shifts or shooflys.

Will drainage improvements at existing ditches and stream crossings be part of the project?

Yes, the proposed project includes drainage improvements within the existing and proposed right-of-way to facilitate the highway widening and intersection modifications.  The proposed drainage improvements will be designed to convey stormwater and stream flows at existing and new culverts and bridges.

How does ODOT calculate the existing and future traffic volumes? 

Traffic counts are taken every two years on state highways.  The existing traffic numbers reflect the current condition.  The future traffic numbers are projected based on a multiplier based upon the area.   

Annual average daily traffic (AADT) is a measure used primarily in transportation engineering. Traditionally, it is the total volume of vehicle traffic of a highway or road for a year divided by 365 days. Therefore, there are days when there is more traffic, but this is an average.  AADT is a simple, but useful, measurement of how busy the road is.

Will the road be asphalt or concrete?

The type of pavement will be determined as part of the design process.  Pavement design is based on the subgrade, traffic (including truck traffic) and design life. 

Will there be access to my home and property during the project?

Yes, access to homes, businesses, and properties adjacent to the project will be maintained during all phases of construction with temporary drives until permanent access can be restored.

What happens to my driveway?

Existing driveways will be reconstructed up to the proposed right-of-way line, and approximately perpendicular to the Fox Lane roadway.  Drainage culverts will be replaced under driveways and entrances as needed.    

What will happen to my existing fence?

If right-of-way is required on your property and you have an existing fence, the fence will be replaced, or you will be given reimbursement to replace the fence as the property owner.

Will noise walls be included in the project?

Using the FHWA traffic noise model, the existing and future exterior noise levels were determined for fifteen (15) residential homes and compared for the proposed four alternatives.  For residential dwellings, noise impacts occur when exterior noise levels are at 66 decibels or greater or when anticipated future noise levels increase over existing levels of 15 decibels or greater.  Based on the analysis, no impacts occur with the future levels ranging from 55.6 to 64.7 decibels and increase over existing levels ranging from 2.6 to 9.6 decibels.  Only a screening analysis was conducted, and a field model validation was not performed.  An updated analysis will be completed for the selected preferred alternative.  However, it is anticipated that no impacts will result; therefore, noise mitigation in the form of a free-standing noise wall is not required for this project.