Rockwood projects slated for 2013, 2014
Published 9:31 am Thursday, December 20, 2012
CHESAPEAKE — While a temporary fix has helped the drainage problem along Rockwood Avenue in Chesapeake, a permanent solution is not expected to happen before the end of 2013 or the first of 2014, according to Ohio Department of Transportation.
However, another Rockwood problem is getting closer to a solution — the hillside slip along the avenue that has plagued the village for approximately three years.
“We have redesigned a different type of repair where there is a tie-back construction,” Kathleen Fuller of the ODOT District 9, said. “It is a completely different design. There is a lot more detail.”
Before construction on that begins, ODOT must acquire the temporary right of way through one parcel.
“We need to use the right of way while we do construction,” Fuller said. “We have made the offer and we are hoping to acquire that in 2013.”
The Chesapeake project, expected to cost between $900,000 and just over $1 million, will be similar to a tie-back done recently by ODOT in Scioto County.
Work is expected to begin this summer if ODOT can acquire the real estate.
“They are going to work as aggressively as they can,” she said.
As far as the drainage situation, ODOT first is looking to make sure there will be funding in its budget before design work begins.
“There is no design yet,” Fuller said. “They are looking to see if the funding in place. … They will probably be working with a consultant.”
Right now without a design plan, there is no cost estimate for the project.
“I don’t think we will get the drainage to bid letting as optimistically as late next year,” she said.
On Monday the city of Ironton provided heavy equipment to open up the drain on the road where standing water was causing icing problems.
“I am glad they are working on it,” Gilpin said about ODOT’s plans. “It is better than not planning at all. We could be just starting talking to them rather than being in the process. Without the aid of Ironton, we would not be in the situation we are now, which is a lot better situation. I feel like I got a Christmas present.”