City of Athens’ Richland Avenue closure project impacts routes to OHIO’s Athens campus

Whether you’re a first-time student moving in, a graduate student commuting to class or a faculty or staff member heading to work, the City of Athens’ construction project on Richland Avenue may affect your route to Ohio University’s Athens campus in the coming weeks.

With move-in weekend approaching, a portion of Richland Avenue has closed to traffic, affecting travel to and from the south end of the road. Members of the OHIO community are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional time for their commute and follow posted detours.

Richland Avenue closure

Richland Avenue at Dairy Lane has closed as part of the ongoing City Sewer Improvement project. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately five weeks, with a projected completion date of Sept. 10. 

There will be no emergency or through traffic permitted through the closure.

For the latest information about the sewer improvement project and potential impacts to traffic, visit the City of Athens project updates.

Detour routes

Drivers approaching campus should follow these routes to avoid the Richland Avenue closure:

• From U.S. 32 eastbound: Use Exit 199B for Richland Avenue and keep right.
• From U.S. 33 eastbound: Use Exit 170 for U.S. 33 East/Pomeroy/Richland Avenue and keep left.
• From U.S. 33 westbound: Use Exit 199B for Richland Avenue and keep right.

If you’re located between the closure and U.S. 33, please go south on Richland Ave to U.S. 33 westbound: Use Exit 199B for Richland Ave and keep right.

Drivers should follow all posted signage and be prepared for increased traffic and potential delays, particularly during move-in weekend.

There are no anticipated impacts to Ohio University transportation services as a result of the Richland Avenue closure.

The Ohio University Inn remains open during construction. Visitors traveling to the Inn from campus are encouraged to take U.S. 33 east and use Exit 199B toward Richland Avenue, then turn left onto Richland Avenue. The Richland Avenue roundabout remains open, allowing visitors traveling from campus to take Richland Avenue to State Route 682 South and connect to U.S. 33 east.

Students living in the area affected by the City of Athens’ Richland Avenue construction project should contact their landlords with any questions about access to their residences.

For information about potential route modifications to other local bus services, including Athens Public Transit routes, visit Athens Public Transit.

Other construction projects to watch

Several other construction projects throughout Athens may affect traffic patterns or result in delays for those traveling to and from campus. Members of the OHIO community should remain alert for changing traffic patterns and allow additional travel time when needed.

Projects to be aware of include:

• SR 682/SR 56 Roundabout: Construction of a new roundabout and sidewalks at the intersection is underway to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety. The project is expected to be completed in late 2026.
• Uptown utilities at Carpenter Street: Utility construction in the uptown area may affect traffic patterns and access.
• OU HTRC at Factory Street: Construction near Heritage Hall may affect traffic in the area using Factory Street and Station Street.
• Columbus Road: Construction is not expected to result in a full road closure, but drivers should anticipate potential delays.
•  U.S. 33 widening near Pomeroy: Ongoing work associated with the U.S. 33 widening project may affect traffic traveling to and from the Athens area on U.S. 33 east.

For the most current information about these and other city construction projects, including changes to traffic patterns and anticipated closures, visit the City of Athens News and Updates.