One of Union County’s overpasses may be closed longer than originally anticipated.
During the regular meeting of county department heads Tuesday morning, Engineer Jeff Stauch told officials that the Beecher-Gamble Road bridge over U.S. 33, northwest of New California, might be closed until next year.
“That bridge was on ODOT’s list to replace the deck superstructure this coming season,” he said. “They made the decision there’s no way to beef up those beams currently, so they’re going to keep it closed and keep the traffic off the top of it, obviously.”
A passing vehicle on U.S. 33 struck the bridge and then left the scene leaving structural damage. Crews closed the road and it was then assessed for safety.
“It was struck by an over-height load probably three weeks ago,” he said. “When you drive by, you can see the two outside beams were damaged pretty significantly.”
He said ODOT would try and move the project up sooner on the priority list during next year’s construction season.
The project was already on the state’s list of overpasses to repair since it has been hit before by passing vehicles. ODOT lists a construction start-time of winter 2023-2024.
“The bridge is legal height but it’s got the lowest headroom of any in that particular corridor so they’ve had it on the list to be raised for a while,” Stauch said.
According to ODOT, the project comes with a $2.8 million price tag and unless construction gets moved up, would likely be completed sometime next fall.
Also at the Tuesday meeting, Sue Ware, director of Union County Human Services, said Ohio Medicare open enrollment is currently underway for 2024.
She told Union County officials that her office is already fielding calls from seniors with questions.
She said her office has been trained specifically for these enrollment periods when residents may need guidance on plan options.
“We’re doing a lot of meetings with seniors right now; they’re coming into our offices with questions,” she said. “Our staff has been trained by the state and then we’re able to counsel them on what might be the plan best plan for them financially and their situation.”
Ware said Union County Senior Services staff provide “free and unbiased education to consumers about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), Medicare Advantage options, and Medicare in conjunction with other programs like Veterans Benefits and Medicaid.”
Training for the counseling comes directly from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), the State of Ohio’s official Medicare educational and counseling program and part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, Ware said. “Senior Services Staff receive annual refresher training from OSHIIP,” she added. “Medicare plans change from year to year. Our staff assist consumers get the plan that serves the consumers’ needs.”
The time period for open enrollment is through Dec. 7 but Ware said consumers may also enroll as they become Medicare eligible.
She said Union County Senior Services staff is available all year for appointments by calling 937-644-1010 option 5.
Up to this point, Union County Senior Services have assisted 33 people with needs. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If residents prefer to contact OSHIIP directly, they may call the OSHIIP hotline at 800-686-1578 or go to the website https://insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/medicare/01-oshiip.