SOUTH POINT – Lawrence County travelers take note – two separate road construction projects on U.

Sunday, March 31, 2002

SOUTH POINT – Lawrence County travelers take note – two separate road construction projects on U.S. 52 are scheduled for construction as this year’s construction season goes into full swing.

John F. Hagen, Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 deputy director, said that motorist on U.S. 52 will face "some traffic impacts in the weeks to come as our 2002 construction season gets into full swing." He added that ODOT is working with the contractors in order to keep the impacts at a minimum while at the same time keeping the route open to two-way travel.

According to Hagen, crews from Kokosing Construction of Columbus will begin preparations to resurface an approximately three-mile section of the route from the two- to the five-mile markers at Hanging Rock starting Monday. Hagen also noted that lane restrictions are not anticipated to be imposed during the first phase of the project.

However, once lane restrictions are in place, traffic will be maintained in a minimum of one lane in each direction. In addition, a 45-mph speed limit will be in effect.

Then starting April 8, the Shelly Company of Thornville will begin a minor widening project on U.S. 52 between Coal Grove and South Point.

The project entails the widening of the route and adding a turn lane at its intersection with Grandview Avenue. Throughout this project as well, travel will be maintained in at least one lane in each direction.

The Kokosing company was awarded its contract for the resurfacing project in the amount of approximately $1.51 million dollars, while the cost of the road widening project awarded to Shelly is $397,373.34.

The scheduled completion date for the resurfacing project is September 30, and the completion date for the widening project is June 30.

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