Residents will endure a yearlong detour beginning in 2014 while the Ohio Department of Transportation makes repairs that include rebuilding two bridges along Interstate 80.
ODOT reviewed details of the project in a meeting with residents last week that included discussion on the plans for rebuilding bridges at Mount Everett Road and over the Norfolk-Southern Railroad tracks in Hubbard Township.
The project is scheduled to begin in spring of 2014 and will close Mount Everett Road for a year, detouring travelers along Bell Wick Road to state Route 304 and onto state Route 7/62.
The new project will alter Mount Everett Road, realigning it from a point 900 feet north of its current I-80 crossing to a point 1,000 feet south. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained on I-80 each way.
The estimated construction cost is approximately $15.27 million and it will be federally funded. ODOT spokesman Justin Chesnic said bid advertisements will go out in winter of 2013 or early spring of 2014, and the bids could change the estimated cost, which he said is "very rough."
Chesnic said the bridges are rated in fair condition but are deteriorating at a rate that they need to be replaced before they're unsuitable for use. The grade of the bridges will be slightly altered to accommodate a higher railroad clearance, and the shoulders will be wider, though the bridge will still be two lanes each way when finished.
Access to adjacent properties will be maintained at all times during the project, and Mount Everett will remain accessible to emergency vehicles.
Wednesday's meeting was attended by ODOT representatives to discuss the social, economic and environmental concerns of residents and businesses.
ODOT also will be awaiting the results of fact-finding regarding any historical or culturally significant structures in the affected area, in accordance with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
A summary of public comments received during the public comment period and responses to comments will be prepared and they are expected to be posted on the ODOT District 4 website.