Construction Equipment Guide
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Mon June 04, 2007 - Midwest Edition
In Dayton, Ohio, the ramps to Interstate 75 northbound and southbound have remained open while Ohio Department of Transportation moved ahead with the reconstruction of U.S. 35.
The $52.9 million project began in April 2006, and is scheduled for completion in May 2008.
The contractor, Kokosing Construction Company Inc. of Columbus is removing and replacing the existing roadway beginning at the interchange of I-75/U.S. 35 and ending at Steve Whalen Boulevard in Dayton.
There are more than 30 bridges involved in this project, according to ODOT District 7 Public Information Specialist Barb Elliston. Major bridge repair and painting continued through the winter as weather allowed.
All traffic through the entire project will be switched to the new westbound lanes on or before June 4, to allow for work on the eastbound lanes, Elliston said. The shift will take place after work east of Keowee Street is completed.
“Work on the eastbound side will include removing and replacing pavement, structure work including bridge deck overlays, refacing parapet walls, removing and replacing back walls on bridges,” Elliston said.
Structural work continues on the majority of the bridges in the project’s scope, including reinforcing steel installation, concrete placement and work on the existing bridge parapet walls. Reconstruction of the Boltin Street bridge continues, with completion expected in the fall.
Painting of the bridges over Main, Patterson and Jefferson streets has caused significant changes to the traffic flow, with detours being commonplace.
According to Elliston, there are many detour routes on the city streets due to the ramps that are closed. Miscellaneous work continues on these ramps. The new ramp to Keowee Street from westbound U.S. 35 should be open by the end of May, weather permitting.
The installation of drainage systems has taken place on ramps near Jefferson, Perry, and Ludlow streets, causing detours.
Crews continue to work on the numerous bridges, and installation of electrical items, signing and guardrail work continues on, as well.
Short term closures of ramps to facilitate the removal of the flyover bridge from northbound Steve Whalen Boulevard to westbound U.S. 35 were necessary in January. Work continued through the winter to remove the remaining piers.
ODOT kicked off its 2007 construction season in April. The U.S. 35 project is one of 100 highway projects and nearly 475 resurfacing and maintenance projects, all aimed at improving Ohio’s interstate system and maintaining existing infrastructure.
“This year’s construction program continues ODOT’s tradition of excellence in providing one of the best-maintained and safest highway systems Ohio’s tax dollars can provide,” said ODOT Director James G. Beasley. “We are also working every day to build the best, most reliable partnership possible with our local governments and communities across the state.” CEG