Columbus is getting a major underground upgrade with the Lower Olentangy Tunnel (LOT), a massive infrastructure project designed to improve our waterways.
Why Does Columbus Need a Giant Tunnel?
Right now, heavy rains can overwhelm the city’s sewer system, sending untreated wastewater (yep, the gross stuff) into the Olentangy River. That’s obviously not great for the environment, and it’s also a problem for public health. The Ohio EPA has been on Columbus’ case about this, and LOT is one of the solutions designed to keep our rivers cleaner and our streets drier.
The Details
The LOT project involves a 17,000-foot-long tunnel (that’s over three miles!) with a 12-foot diameter, running about 50 feet below the city. A massive tunnel boring machine is doing the heavy lifting, carving out a path that will help relieve pressure on existing sewer systems. The tunnel will connect to the Olentangy Scioto Intercepting Sewer (OSIS) at Vine Street and will include key access points at Tuttle Park, Gowdy Field, and Vine Street.
But it’s not just about the main tunnel—additional relief sewers and a microtunnel are also being built to handle overflow from specific areas, like Third Avenue and the Fifth by Northwest Blueprint area. The end goal? Significantly reduce sewer overflows and keep our waterways clean, even during major storms.
The project officially kicked off in early 2021 and is expected to wrap up in September 2026. It’s a big investment, but Columbus received a loan through the Ohio EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund to help finance the construction.
What’s Next?
As construction continues, expect to see work happening in key areas around the city. While it might be a little disruptive now, the long-term benefits—cleaner rivers, fewer basement floods, and a more resilient sewer system—will make a big difference for Columbus.
