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Franklin County Engineer

As a local public works agency headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Engineer's Office is responsible for the maintenance and construction of 271 miles of county roadway and 351 county bridges, as well as upkeep of all county ditches, drains, retention basins, and other storm water facilities within the right-of-way of county roads in unincorporated areas. To meet the continuing development and infrastructure needs of Franklin County, the Engineer's Office utilizes the latest technologies for determining and maintaining roadway centerlines and boundaries; retracing and setting new monuments for original public land surveys; preparing geographic information system mapping for real estate tax assessments; and establishing precise countywide horizontal and vertical control to maintain uniformity in construction, surveying, and mapping.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
This morning, Engineer Fowler and #TeamFCEO hosted our Intern and Summer Help Networking Event where participants had the opportunity to connect with one another and hear from FCEO staff as they shared their diverse career paths, including a wide range of disciplines and professional experiences prior to joining FCEO. It was a valuable morning of learning, conversation, and inspiration. We’re proud to invest in the next generation entering the workforce as they explore meaningful and rewarding career paths.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Fair kicks off Monday, July 14, 2025. Join us on opening day for County Engineer Adam W. Fowler Day! Bring your family and friends to celebrate, help us paint a snowplow, and enjoy hands-on fun for all ages. We can’t wait to see you there!
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Beach Road, west of Amity Road, is closed for bridge maintenance work. The closure will last approximately ninety (90) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Harrisburg-Georgesville Road over Big Darby Creek, between London-Groveport Road and Opossum Run Road, is closed for bridge rehabilitation work. The closure will last approximately one-hundred eighty (180) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Eiterman Road over South Fork Indian Run, between Post Road and Bobcat Way, will be closed beginning Monday, July 14, 2025, to replace and widen the existing bridge to accommodate the future build-out of the Dublin throughfare plan. The closure will last approximately ninety (90) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Winchester Pike over Coble & Bowman Ditch, between Shannon Road and Bachman Road, will be closed beginning Monday, July 14, 2025, to widen the roadway and replace the existing culvert. The closure will last approximately sixty (60) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer's Office
970 DUBLIN ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
(614) 525-3030
fracoeng@franklincountyengineer.org

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Highway Chronicle Chapter 8

Highway Chronicle Chapter 8

Streetcars Provide Reliable Mud-Free Travel

building
Tram

In 1863, horse-drawn streetcar service, referred to as “the street railroad,” provided the first mud-free public transit in Franklin County. A ride down High Street, from Naghten Street to Livingston Avenue, cost just a nickel. Tracks were later added to Long Street in 1870, and State and Oak Streets in 1872.

Electric streetcars, powered by overhead wiring, were introduced to Columbus during the summer of 1887 when the new technology was tested on 11th Avenue, between High Street and the State Fairgrounds. This innovation lead to the development of countywide electric street car service. High Street was the first major route, inaugurated on January 14, 1891.

Decorative steel arches erected over High Street, to hold the electrified wiring for the streetcars, lead Columbus to be known as “the Arch City.”

Interurban streetcars that provided passenger and freight service between cities began operating in 1902. Once the large parlor cars left the busy streets of Columbus, they could travel more than 50 mph on their routes to Dayton, Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Zanesville, Mt. Vernon, Mansfield and Cleveland. Cleveland, Southwestern & Columbus Railway.

By 1905, more than 700 miles of streetcar track ran through Franklin County and the central Ohio region. Popular destinations included the Ohio Statehouse; Palace, Ohio and Southern Theaters; State Fairgrounds; Buckeye Lake, Indianola, Olentangy, and Minerva Amusement Parks; Lazarus Department Store; and The Ohio State University.

The popularity of automobiles and buses, and the “Great Depression” of the 1930s brought about the end of interurban streetcar lines. Local streetcars, however, would remain in operation until replaced with trackless trolleys and diesel buses by the Columbus Transit Company.

The last streetcar ran on the Neil Avenue/Main Street Line on September 4, 1948.

If you listen closely, you can still hear the bells, the rattling change, and the conductor’s booming voice: “Next stop, Capital Square!”