Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if ODOT plans to acquire my property?
The Project Plan View map will show the areas where new permanent and temporary right-of-way (R/W) is proposed, and they are shown on the Interactive Map. If your property will be affected, an ODOT authorized agent will contact you in the future. 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 has to buy my house or business?
Owners of affected homes or businesses will be provided with additional relocation assistance. Click on the following link for additional information about ODOT's policies regarding property rights and relocation assistance.
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 will ODOT start buying property?
While authorization to start the acquisition process is anticipated in summer of 2022, although it may be fall or winter of 2022 before agents begin contacting landowners.
When is construction scheduled to begin?
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
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-51. During some phases, traffic may be reduced to one lane and controlled with a temporary traffic signal.
How will the project be built?
SH-51 will remain open during construction and phased construction will be utilized to maintain traffic. Two lanes of traffic, one lane in each direction, will be carried throughout construction. During some phases, traffic may be reduced to one lane and controlled with a temporary traffic signal. In order to minimize impacts on the causeway, a combination of retaining walls and 1:3 fill slopes will be used.
Will any of the intersections have signals?
No signal lights are currently planned for the project. ODOT can conduct a warrant traffic study in the future at these intersections, as needed to determine if a traffic signal is warranted. This can occur as a separate project.
How does ODOT calculate its traffic numbers?
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 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.
Why are you not designing for a four-lane roadway?
The SH-51 roadway in this area does not warrant two lanes of traffic in each direction for the design year of 2041. Adding shoulders will increase the safety of the roadway over the existing conditions.
Will the road be asphalt or concrete?
The type of roadway based on the pavement design will be asphalt. Pavement design is based on the subgrade, traffic (including truck traffic) and design life.
Will I have access to my home or business during construction?
The existing SH-51 roadway will continue to provide local access to homes and businesses. Properties will have direct access to the highway like they do today.
What happens to my driveway?
Existing driveways will be provided a new asphalt driveway from the SH-51 roadway to the right-of-way line. Drainage culverts will be replaced under the driveway 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 compensated to replace the fence as the property owner.
Will drainage improvements at existing ditch 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. The proposed drainage improvements will be designed to convey stormwater and stream flows at existing and new culverts and structures.
Why aren’t noise walls included in the project?
ODOT reviewed its current noise policy, and the project is defined as a Type III Project; therefore, a traffic noise study is not required.
How can I get more information?
The best way to have your question answered is to submit a comment on the Submit Feedback page or email to environment@odot.org. If you would like to speak to a project representative, please call (405) 325-3269 and leave a detailed message.
