Ed Lucas, construction inspector for the Union County Engineer’s office, was on Sam Reed Road early this morning to make sure the road was marked as closed. He said beginning today, contractors will be replacing the bridge over Buck Run.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Mac Cordell)
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The Union County Engineer’s office will continue a busy summer as several projects are set to begin.
County Engineer Jeff Stauch stressed that, “safety is always a top priority.”
“We make every effort to minimize inconveniences as we perform our summer sealing program, however loose stone and excess tar are always a possibility on newly treated roadways,” Stauch wrote in a release. “Slowing down on freshly sealed roads is a good idea for two reasons; issues with loose stone are minimized, and asphalt is less likely to end up on vehicles.”
The engineer also reminded drivers to slow down when approaching flaggers and equipment to, “guarantee the safety of the motorist and the safety of those working on the road.”
He said county crews will perform the resurfacing projects, “at half the cost of a contractor.”
This year’s chip seal resurfacing program, which begins today, will involve 64 roads in Taylor, York, Liberty, Claibourne and Leesburg townships.
“It is a larger program than we have had the last several years,” Stauch said.
The project will resurface 121 miles of roads — 89 miles of county roads and 32 miles of township roads.
Road resurfacing will take place between 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Officials believe the work will last four to five weeks.
In a recent release, Stauch said he has offered several reminders to residents and travelers on roads affected by the chip seal program.
“Motorists may encounter slight delays during our sealing operation, but local traffic will be maintained,” Stauch wrote.
The county is contracting with The Shelly Company to resurface more than seven miles of roadway on Middleburg-Plain City, Maple Ridge and Unionville roads. Northwest Parkway is set for resurfacing later this summer.
Also beginning today, crews will be replacing the steel truss bridge on Sam Reed Road, between state Route 38 and Orchard Road, that passes over Buck Run. The engineer said local traffic will be maintained.
Stauch called the bridge, “obsolete.”
He said the bridge provides only one lane of traffic and will soon be retired as a new concrete structure is to be erected.
Weather permitting, officials expect construction to last about 90 days and wrap up in October.
The concrete bridge on Unionville Road over Big Darby Creek in Darby Township was closed last month for resurfacing.
Stauch said Watkins Road Bridge in Millcreek Township will be under construction, “a little later this summer.” In the release, Stauch said the closure should come in the next few weeks. A new single span bridge on reinforced concrete abutments will be erected. Officials expect the 75-day project to be completed in the fall.
He said county work crews will, “play a large role in our annual maintenance and construction tasks.” Officials said the county crews will construct eight small bridges this summer.
Stauch said the projects will be paid for using a variety of funding options including state grants, federal highway funds, developer contributions and local dollars.
“To help offset the ever-increasing construction material costs, every dollar of our sales tax revenue share is spent on road and bridge maintenance and construction,” Stauch said.
Those who would like additional information or have questions are asked to contact the engineer’s office at (937) 645-3018 or engineer@co.union.oh.us or call.