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| Ohio State Route 104 | |
|---|---|
| State | OH |
| Type | SR |
| Route | 104 |
| Length mi | 57.0 |
| Est | 1923 |
| Direction a | South |
| Terminus a | Portsmouth |
| Direction b | North |
| Terminus b | Columbus |
| Counties | Scioto County, Pike County, Ross County, Franklin County |
Ohio State Route 104 is a north–south state highway in southern and central Ohio connecting the Ohio River city of Portsmouth with the state capital, Columbus. The route traverses rural corridors, small towns, and suburban corridors, linking communities such as Waverly, Chillicothe (via nearby connections), and Lancaster before reaching the metropolitan Franklin County region. SR 104 serves as a regional arterial for commerce, commuter traffic, and access to river and interstate facilities.
SR 104 begins at the Ohio River in Portsmouth near the confluence with the Scioto River and proceeds north through Scioto County parallel to rail lines operated historically by Norfolk Southern Railway and CSX Transportation. The route passes through or near communities such as New Boston, Lucasville and Waverly, intersecting state routes including US 52, US 23, US 35 and US 22. Northward, SR 104 threads near Shawnee State Forest and crosses agricultural landscapes associated with Scioto County and Pike County, providing access to county seats such as Piketon. The corridor enters Ross County and connects with routes leading to Chillicothe and Paint Creek State Park; continuing, it approaches Lancaster with links to US 33 and SR 33 corridors. In Franklin County the highway becomes a suburban arterial serving Grove City, Westland and the southern neighborhoods of Columbus, intersecting major highways such as I-270 and I-71 before terminating near central Columbus municipal streets and connections to US 40.
The designation of SR 104 dates to early 20th-century numbering systems developed during the expansion of state-maintained roads following initiatives championed by notable figures and organizations like the Good Roads Movement proponents and state engineers tied to the Ohio Department of Highways. Early routing reflected nineteenth-century turnpike corridors and wagon trails that linked river ports such as Portsmouth to inland markets like Lancaster and Columbus. Over decades SR 104 was realigned to accommodate highway projects driven by federal programs such as the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1921 and later constructions influenced by Interstate System planning alongside agencies including the Federal Highway Administration. Significant 20th-century improvements involved bypasses around small towns, grade-separation projects near US 23 and US 33, and urban reconstructions coordinated with municipal governments of Columbus and Grove City. Historic transportation shifts—like reductions in river steamboat commerce and growth of rail freight by B&O and later freight carriers—altered traffic patterns on SR 104, prompting resurfacing programs and safety upgrades funded through state capital programs and legislative appropriations.
SR 104 connects to numerous significant highways and corridors: - Southern terminus at US 52 in Portsmouth near riverfront facilities and port access. - Junctions with US 23 providing north–south linkage to Piketon and Chillicothe. - Interchange with US 35 offering connections toward Jackson and Dayton regions. - Crossings near US 22 and SR 41 serving regional circulation in Pike County. - Proximity to US 33 and access toward Lancaster and Athens corridors. - Northern connections with I-270, I-71 and local arterial networks in Columbus.
Traffic volumes on SR 104 vary from rural low-density segments in Pike County and Ross County to high-volume suburban sections in Franklin County near Grove City and Westland. Commuter flows link bedroom communities to employment centers in Columbus and industrial facilities along the Scioto River, including logistics hubs served by Norfolk Southern Railway and trucking firms. Seasonal tourism to recreational sites such as Shawnee State Forest and Paint Creek State Park increases weekend demand. Freight usage interfaces with regional distribution networks tied to Portsmouth river terminals and intermodal yards, affecting pavement wear and necessitating routine maintenance by the Ohio Department of Transportation alongside county engineers in Scioto County and Franklin County.
Planned projects include capacity improvements, safety enhancements, and pavement rehabilitation funded through state transportation programs and federal discretionary grants administered by the Federal Highway Administration. Proposals advanced by metropolitan planning organizations such as the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and local jurisdictions aim to address congestion near Columbus suburbs with intersection upgrades, signal coordination, and multimodal accommodations linking to Central Ohio Transit Authority corridors. Corridor studies reference historical traffic growth patterns and anticipate coordination with regional economic initiatives promoted by entities like the Ohio Department of Development and county economic development agencies. Environmental reviews coordinate with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and stakeholders when projects affect riparian zones along the Scioto River.
SR 104 intersects and parallels several state and federal routes, forming part of an integrated network that includes US 52, US 23, US 35, US 33, I-270 and I-71. Nearby alternate and spur designations and county roads provide links to municipalities such as Waverly, Chillicothe, Lancaster and metropolitan Columbus. Historic alignments are documented in state archives and by regional historical societies including the Ohio History Connection and local county historical societies in Scioto County and Franklin County.