Downtown, U.S. 59 face relationship change

Driving on U.S. 59 in Franklin County takes a traveler right through Ottawa’s downtown.

But not forever.

A new four-lane U.S. 59 expressway — which will skirt the city’s east side — is under way and when it opens, the current highway will be turned over to the city and county.

Local leaders say they want to ensure that residents and visitors continue to find their way to downtown.

About 35 percent of the project in Franklin County is done and completion is expected by late 2009. The new expressway will bypass Ottawa and connect to I-35 northeast of Ottawa at Pawnee Road.

Tom Weigand, president of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, said downtown will be positively affected by the changes — and could be negatively affected as well.

He said the community won’t have to worry as much about detouring truck traffic and could do more landscaping and beautification, as well as bringing in more foot traffic through festivals and events.

“Right now I’m feeling the highway will be a positive thing for Franklin County and Ottawa,” Weigand said. “But there could be some challenges in retailing downtown if we don’t do it right.”

Weigand said the community will need to recruit shoppers to the downtown, possibly through more destination activities and other methods.

Transportation Secretary Deb Miller has said previously that the city and county will be eligible for state grants to help economic development with new signs and to address planning needs. The new U.S. 59 will help boost economic activity in the region, she said.

Weigand said according to the state’s traffic counts, local traffic patterns aren’t expected to change significantly with the new highway. Plus, the community has managed with I-35 bypassing the town, and many people still come into Ottawa from K-68, he said.

“We’re just going to have to see,” Weigand said. “Right now, I don’t think the merchants are that concerned.”

He said some downtown business owners have said they’re looking forward to the new U.S. 59 because it will reduce the noise and rumbling from larger vehicles down Main Street and allow for a higher quality downtown.

Whatever the effects of U.S. 59, they will be seen soon after the new highway opens, Weigand said.

“We’ll have to be prepared for that,” he said. “We’re going to have to work hard to keep what we have and expand that.

“But I think we can do it.”

Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.