The Chesapeake Bypass project remains on schedule, the Ohio Department of Transportation told county commissioners Thursday.

Friday, August 10, 2001

The Chesapeake Bypass project remains on schedule, the Ohio Department of Transportation told county commissioners Thursday.

ODOT anticipates meeting its right-of-way clearance and project sell dates, District 9 deputy director John Hagen said.

Concerned about another bypass delay the commissioners requested the state update of the long-awaited project at last week’s meeting.

Hagen reported to commissioners Thursday that while consultants are continuing work for final submission of roadway plans for Phase 1A (from the East Huntington Bridge to Irene Road), ME Engineering is handling right of way acquisition now. Six of 24 property parcels have been acquired so far, he said.

Construction bids on the $5.3 million phase is expected to sell March 6, 2002.

Commissioners said they were satisfied with ODOT’s status report but added that the county will watch the project closely.

Also during Thursday’s meeting, commissioners awarded the Athalia Tire Pile cleanup contract to Cooksey Brothers of Kentucky.

WATER PROJECTS

After the meeting, commission president Paul Herrell discussed county water projects. The county/Hecla Water project in Decatur Township along Ohio 93 will begin line installation Monday, according to water company reports, Herrell said.

"I’m glad to see it start because these people need the water," he said.

County grant writers are also seeking names of people who might qualify for tap assistance for water lines on Sand Fork in the Lecta area, the commissioner added.

Gallia Water said they can do that project, which means $25,000 in waterline money already secured by state Rep. John Carey can be applied to another area, hopefully Tick Ridge near Waterloo, Herrell said.