The Route 33 Bypass

It was a gorgeous, cool, and sunny Saturday in September 2013 as runners, walkers, and

cyclists gathered for a once-in-a-lifetime event in our region,  The Nelsonville Bypass

Opening.  Early in the morning, school buses from Hocking College shuttled participants

from the Public  Square to their starting marks on the recently completed bypass. For

a few brief hours the roads were occupied not by cars and eighteen wheelers, but by

people of all ages geared up in their running shoes and bright blue t-shirts. Doubtless

many were captivated by the beauty of the bypass surroundings of Wayne National

Forest. Many were in awe of the rare experience to traverse the now peaceful, quiet

highway soon to be open to tens of thousands of vehicles rushing through the Hocking

Valley.

It has now been over a year and a half since that eventful Saturday, and

the  Nelsonville  bypass section of Route 33 is as busy as ever with vehicle traffic. Many

here anticipated the completion of the bypass for years. They also wondered what the

effect would be on the quiet city of Nelsonville (which, on days like Homecoming or

Parents’ Weekend at Ohio University, wasn’t all that “quiet.”) Route 33, or Canal Street,

was a perpetual bustle of car and truck activity since I arrived to town four years ago. I

quickly became familiar with the oft-repeated phrase, “If you want to get through

southeastern Ohio, you have to go through Nelsonville.” Some businesses thrived from

all of the through-traffic, and certainly fuel and eating establishments popped up

because of it. What was to happen when the bypass opened? How would Nelsonville

fair?

The answer to this question is still in process. Ask a resident in Nelsonville today the question, “How has the bypass affected your life?” and you will hear a variety of answers: How pleasant it is to be able to cross the street without waiting for five minutes. How good it is not to have to drive that dangerous section of Old 33. How some long-time businesses such as a gas station and used car dealers have closed their doors. How others have fought to remain resilient and adaptive. Many I talk to are hopeful about this city, looking for the bypass to help, not hinder, brighter days of tourist activity, thriving small businesses, and “small town charm” to come.  New businesses have opened such as the campground and canoe livery on the East entrance to the city.  Two transportation companies specializing in trucks and trailers have opened on Canal Street, a pizza shop has expanded to include in-store dining  and another existing restaurant in town is moving  to a larger and more accessible location on Canal Street.   In keeping with Nelsonville’s arts heritage, a new art studio and gallery has located on Canal Street.   The Hocking ValleyScenic Railway introduces their restored steam locomotive for the first time this season and has already attracted media coverage. 

The effects of the bypass may take some time yet to unfold, and questions remain as to its long-term effect. Still, there are many households, small businesses, school rooms, offices, and gathering places, in which community, hard-work, and dreams for Nelsonville continue to thrive.

Peter Galbraith

Pastor

First Presbyterian Church of Nelsonville