Before 315 was a freeway, it was a scenic country road 🚘 The road became part of Ohio’s highway system in 1933, when it only connected Delaware to Worthington with a stone and gravel surface. Through the 1940s and ‘50s, it was known as a scenic state route. By the 1950s, automobile traffic was booming, and plans emerged to turn it into the freeway we know today. The original plan was to build along the Olentangy River for the entire route. Ohio State University opposed this, as it would interfere with its plans for west campus. Some community members were also opposed, citing ecological concerns. Eventually, a compromise was reached. The freeway was moved west of the river from Kinnear Rd. to North Broadway, and parts of the river were rerouted. Construction began in 1966. The 10.5-mile project took nearly 25 years to complete. This photo shows the final stretch of construction in July 1980, looking south from SR-161. #ThenAndNow #ColumbusOhio