Elevated Columbus strengthens community access to public transit while also prioritizing ecological functions throughout the city. By creating an elevated transportation system that allows people to engage more with their surroundings, both on the ground level and at a higher vantage point, we hope to elevate the communities and environmental health of the lower Olentangy watershed. With the removal of the 315 highway, we are proposing a transportation network of light rail, bikes, buses, and kayaks. The light rail is on an elevated path and runs along the footprint of the former 315. At each light rail stop, people will have the opportunity to rest and relax under the structure. The light rail is supplemented by an expansive, raised bike network to reduce the use of cars and decrease overall emissions. The bike system includes two modes of transportation: a commuter bike highway and a scenic bike path. The commuter bike highway runs along the path of the existing Olentangy River Road and allows for more direct and uninterrupted travel. The scenic bike path begins by running along the commuter highway and eventually splits off to provide a more picturesque and ecological experience, by giving users easy access to the river and parks. In addition to the light rail and bike system, a city-wide bus transit network will increase east-west connections throughout Columbus. The bus network has an outer loop and multiple local bus routes to ensure maximum access. The bus stations are positioned throughout the city so that every resident can access the nearest one within a 10 minute walk. The station structures also serve as ecological features with green walls and solar paneled roofs to provide energy for the larger system. Bioswales are located next to the station structures to collect runoff. Finally, we will incorporate a kayak system along the river to connect ecological corridors throughout the city. Ecology is a major component of our design, so we want to ensure that residents have easy access to green spaces. We have created ecological corridors within the watershed that residents will have direct access to, through our various forms of transportation. The ecological corridors will strengthen connections between parks and green spaces throughout Columbus. Additionally, the corridors focus on areas with existing streams and ravines to allow people to interact more with their waterways. These corridors can help improve the environmental conditions of Columbus while also providing more opportunities for residents to engage with impactful green spaces. The main priorities of our design are people and the ecological health of the Olentangy watershed. We have prioritized the pedestrian over vehicles and enhanced streetscapes in order to provide increased tree canopy and better stormwater infrastructure. Elevated Columbus will improve human and ecological connectivity through the implementation of environmentally-sensitive transportation systems and the creation of increased ecological habitat and density zones.
