Ohio Depar tment of Transpor tation • Employee Newsletter

July/Aug 2010

Columbus’ Main Street Bridge magnet for new development — story page 4

Ohio Contractors tell ODOT, U.S. Transportation Secretary: Stimulus saved jobs in Ohio Scott Varner, Central Office isiting with a diverse transportation facilities across group of Ohio’s the state. construction contrac- “There would be a heck of Vtors and suppliers, U.S. a lot of people out of work, Transportation Secretary particularly in the construc- Ray LaHood learned that tion industry, if it weren’t the American Recovery and for the economic recovery Reinvestment Act is putting plan,” LaHood said during even more Ohioans to work a roundtable visit in Central U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood talks on building new highways, Ohio with several contractors, to one of the competitors at the National Truck bridges, and multi-modal Columbus-area Congresswoman Driving Championships held in Columbus. continued on page 2

On the cover: Investing in Replacing ODOT at the The new Main Street Bridge in downtown key freight Ohio’s tallest Ohio State Columbus features a multi-use path for corridor, bridge, page 5. Fair, page 6. cyclists and walkers. page 4. Photo by Andy Eline, Central Office. continued from page 1 Stimulus saved jobs

Mary Jo Kilroy and ODOT Director Molitoris. just a little more than $1.9 million. Brian Burgett, president of Kokosing Construction, told The same reports also show that construction workers Secretary LaHood that his clocked in 414,047 hours on company’s workforce has the job and earned nearly been cut by about 20 percent $13.5 million in paychecks over the past few years, but in a single month. the losses would be more “There would be a heck of These new job figures severe – another 20 percent a lot of people out of work, add to the thousands of jobs or so – without the federal already created and retained aid. particularly in the construction by Ohio’s transportation Monthly reports from stimulus investments. From Ohio’s contractors show industry, if it weren’t for the June through September, that 9,476 workers were paid ODOT anticipates more with stimulus funds in July economic recovery plan.” than $40 million in – the most since the start of paychecks will be earned Recovery Act project in 2009. by laborers and workers For comparison, the same report in July 2009 showed only on stimulus-funded transportation projects, as the summer 1,478 construction workers on stimulus-funded jobs, earning construction season intensifies.

Photo by Scott Varner, Central Office “Through these Recovery Act investments in transporta- tion, we are putting more Ohioans to work and helping to ignite the state’s economic engine,” said Director Molitoris. “A true 21st Century multimodal transportation system will strengthen Ohio’s competitive position in national and global markets and revitalize our cities and towns.” While a majority of the Recovery Act projects are improving Ohio’s roadways and bridges, new to the list of stimulus-funded projects to get underway are a $6.8 million intermodal crane replacement project at the Port of Toledo and a $3.3 million waterfront redevelopment project along Lake Erie in Lorain County. Also in the past month, the Federal Aviation Adminis- tration added more than a quarter of a million dollars in additional funding to the state’s stimulus construction projects at four airports, bringing Ohio’s total aviation Recovery Act allocation to $24.5 million. Emphasis on Safety for Truckers During his stop in Columbus, Secretary LaHood also attended 2010 National Truck Driving Championships, sponsored by the American Trucking Association. “I can assure you, if you were to sit through a day of these tough road tests, you would walk away with a new apprecia- tion for one of our nation’s most important professions,” said LaHood. More than 400 professional drivers competed in skilled tests for 18-wheeled five-axle sleepers, tank trucks, twin trailers, and straight truck. An obstacle course covered real-world challenges commercial truck drivers face every day across the US. These include an alley dock, a rear stop, a front line stop, a scales stop, a right or left turn, parallel parking, and straight line driving through diminishing clearance. The winners have to be more than highly skilled drivers. Part of their score included a written examination to test their knowledge of safety, equipment, and the trucking industry. After meeting with Ohio’s transportation contractors, Columbus-area “You know, it is thanks to America’s truckers that we Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy and U.S. Transportation Secretary enjoy the quality of life we have today. They are out there – LaHood discuss the number of construction jobs created and saved by the often far from home – navigating weather and congestion, Recovery Act with the media. and safely transporting the goods we need and use every day,” added LaHood.

2 • Transcript, July/Aug 2010 Ohio State Fair, ODOT construction featured on White House blog GovernorPhoto Strickland’s by Kasson, Chris Office John Porcari, Deputy Secretary – US DOT

Deputy Transportation Secretary Porcari’s update was posted on the White House blog at www.whitehouse.gov. ew things say summer like a state fair. And, as a graduate from the nearby University of Dayton, I was thrilled to take part in today’s opening of the 157thF Ohio State Fair with Governor Ted Strickland. A proud Buckeye tradition, the Ohio State Fair has delighted locals and visitors since 1850. Last year alone, over 800,000 people turned out to take part in the livestock competitions, concerts, rides, and butter sculptures that make up a true state fair experience. But, summertime doesn’t just mean fun times on the fairgrounds – it’s also construction season. Just last month, President Obama and Secretary LaHood were only a few miles from the Ohio Expo Center to break ground on the US Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari speaks at the opening Recovery Act’s 10,000th road project. of the Ohio State Fair. He also toured ODOT’s display and then shared his While he was there, the President said: “If we’re going visit with readers of the White House’s internet blog. to rebuild America’s economy, we have to rebuild America, period.” Work crews across Ohio and across America are doing just that. The Summer of Recovery is in full swing. on their feet. It has also allowed us to improve access to the For Ohio, this means more than $1.1 billion for 470 road, Appalachian region through new highway constructions that bridge, transit and airport projects that will move people and support current and future commerce. goods across the state more safely and efficiently than ever We are investing in broadband projects that will finally before. connect rural households, hospitals, and schools to the The Obama Administration’s $8 billion Recovery Act internet; purchasing buses and expand transit services investment in high speed rail also promises big changes in rural communities; and providing over $1 billion for for Ohio, with $400 million for 250 miles along the “3C renewable energy projects that put rural America on the Corridor” between Cleveland and Cincinnati. cutting-edge of research into bio-fuels and create green jobs. To date, more than 30 foreign and domestic rail manufac- The Recovery Act has already saved or created over turers and suppliers have agreed to establish or expand their 117,000 jobs in Ohio. And that’s just a snapshot from one operations in states like Ohio, where there’s a willing work state. Similar stories are playing out across the country, and force and plenty of factory space. So high speed rail lines in there’s much more to come. Ohio and elsewhere will create jobs right here at home. As the Summer of Recovery continues, the Obama We also know that investing in our rural areas is Administration and DOT are committed to making it a little important. And the Recovery Act is enabling us to make easier for families everywhere to enjoy all of the fun this hundreds of loan guarantees to help rural businesses get back season has to offer.

Maintenance facility seeks Energy and Environmental Certification David Rose, District 10

ith shovels in hand, a team from ODOT’s snow operations. Once construction is District 10 office made history by breaking ground complete in May of 2011, the facility will on the district’s first-ever Leadership in Energy & officially receive its LEED Certification. EnvironmentalW Design (LEED) building. ODOT’s “Go with Green” initiative, which focuses on The new maintenance facility in Noble County is seeking implementing environmentally-friendly operations and LEED Certification for its environmentally-friendly design. practices, is dedicated to achieve LEED certification on at least “The new Noble County facility will stand as testament to 50 percent of its newly constructed buildings. ODOT’s continued dedication to not only be stewards of the The new facility in Caldwell will replace the nearly 60 taxpayer’s trust, but also stewards of the environmental trust,” year old existing maintenance garage in Noble County. The declared District Deputy Director Karen Pawloski. existing Noble County maintenance facility was built in 1951 The $4.5 million maintenance facility will have several for $91,844. environmentally-friendly elements including skylights and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an a wash bay that recycles water to make brine for ice and internationally recognized green building certification system.

Transcript, July/Aug 2010 • 3 Improvements on I-71 part of decade-long investment in key Ohio freight corridor Brian Stacy, District 3

ith a formal ribbon cutting ceremony recognized completion of a decade worth of projects along along the highway in Medina County, Team its Interstate 71 corridor with a ribbon cutting ceremony at ODOT has completed its latest, and largest, the Interstate 76 and U.S. Route 224 interchange in Medina investmentsW to improve Interstate 71 – part of a decade’s County. U.S. Congressman John Boccieri and other state worth of investment in one of the state’s key freight and and local officials joined Team ODOT for the event. economic corridors. At more than $77.3 million, this project is the largest On August 4, District 3 formally in the district’s history and completes the process to widen I-71 to three lanes from Cuyahoga County to Morrow County. This final project also included some important safety improvements to the I-76/U.S. 224 interchange. As the state’s third most-used freight corridor in terms of volume, tonnage, and vehicle miles traveled, I-71 has been a focal point of improve- ment for ODOT over the past decade. Since 2000, ODOT has invested more than $868 million into improve- ments along the I-71 corridor, with 136 different projects stretching from Cleveland through Columbus and into Cincinnati. Over the next four years, ODOT has scheduled another 43 projects – investing an additional $678 million – including replacement of the Jeremiah continued on page 5 Columbus celebrates new Main Street Bridge, magnet for new development Nancy Burton, District 6

alling it a magnet for new development finished. This is wonderful news,” said Franklinton Area and new visitors to downtown, Columbus city leaders Commission Chair Carol Stewart. “The bridge being two-way celebrated the opening of the community’s new Main opens our neighborhood back up to downtown the way it was CStreet Bridge – a $60 million partnership between ODOT and in the past.” the city that is already seeing a return on investment. “This is a great day for Franklinton,” said Franklinton “The Main Street Bridge in Columbus does more than Development Association Executive Director Jim Sweeney. connect two sides of a river. This project will serve as a “This bridge is obviously an extremely important link magnet for new jobs and economic growth in one of our between our community and downtown. Perhaps more state’s vital urban centers,” said ODOT Director Molitoris, importantly it’s a symbol of the investment yet to come.” who joined Columbus’ mayor and neighborhood leaders for The bridge’s roadway and multi-use path also will be used the bridge’s dedication in July. for many of the festivals in downtown Columbus. The Main “The new Main Street Bridge reconnects Franklinton Street bridge project included improvements to a portion of with downtown, transporting residents in their cars, on their the downtown’s West Bank Park on the west side of the Scioto bikes, or on foot,” said Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman. River. “This is also a catalyst for residential and economic develop- “The Main Street Bridge encompasses all elements of a ment for Franklinton and for the RiverSouth area.” complete street,” said Chester R. Jourdan, Executive Director The new bridge, which features an inclined arch on the of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. “Tradition- bridge’s north side, meets the needs of motorists with three ally river crossings have proven to be barriers to bicyclists and lanes of traffic. It also will accommodate the growing number pedestrians. This bridge will allow all users to safely cross the of pedestrians and bicyclists traveling into downtown, with Scioto River.” an 18-foot, 7-inch wide multi-use path on the bridge’s north The Main Street bridge project was funded through a side. federal, state and City of Columbus partnership. ODOT “I am so excited about the Main Street Bridge being managed the project’s construction.

4 • Transcript, July/Aug 2010 continued from page 4 I-71 improvements investment in key corridor

Morrow Bridge just north of Cincinnati and a major “Adding capacity to I-71 is one way to improve safety upgrade of the I-71 interchange in downtown Columbus. and decrease congestion, but this project means so much This project in Medina County, constructed by the more than that to the region,” said District 3 Deputy Ruhlin Company of Sharon Center, is the final I-71 Director John Hart. “Motorists encountered dangerous widening project in District 3 and completes a process weaves, merges, and bottlenecks prior to construction. The begun in 2000 when a section of I-71 was widened near new interchange provides for smooth flowing ramps in Cuyahoga County. Over the last decade, ten projects for every direction without conflict.” a combined $475.1 million have been completed to widen In addition to widening I-71 by adding a third lane in the interstate in Medina, Wayne, Ashland, and Richland each direction, this project has improved safety with the Counties. construction of new or modified ramps at the I-76/U.S. The average daily traffic volumes on I-71 north and 224 interchange. These additions have improved safety and south of I-76/U.S. 224 are 39,000-plus vehicles and 45,000- mobility at the interchange for motorists using it to reach plus vehicles, respectively. Akron, Cleveland, and Columbus.

Replacing Ohio’s tallest bridge means jobs in southwest Ohio Sharon Smigelski, District 8

n addition to being the tallest bridge in Ohio, the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge on Interstate 71 in Warren County carries more than $160 billion in goods and commerceI annually cross. That’s one of the reasons ODOT is prioritizing the replacement of this vital link, breaking ground on the $88.1 million project in August. “This bridge is Ohio’s tallest and a half mile long overlooking the National and State Scenic Little Miami River,” said District 8 Deputy Director Hans Jindal “This project transforms this region as it is the connector between the communities and people.” Jindal was joined by Director Jolene M. Molitoris – with state Representatives Ron Maag and Dale Mallory; the A rendering of the new Jeremiah Morrow Bridge. Federal Highway Administration’s Laurie Leffler; OKI’s Robert Koehler; county commissioners Dave Young and Todd “This is an investment for the jobs and businesses that Portune; county engineers Jeff Linkous, Neil Tunison and rely on this vital economic link – carrying people and William Brayshaw; and Wilmington Mayor David Raizk – for freight between central and southwest Ohio,” said Director the ceremonial turning of shovels to start the project. Molitoris. “When you see those orange barrels, know that it means that Ohioans are working.” Raizk concurred: “When I see orange barrels, I see jobs that are desperately needed in Southwest Ohio,” he said. The new bridge design is a cast-in-place post-tensioned segmental concrete box girder bridge, with a 440-foot main span, using the balanced cantilever method. With completion set for Summer 2015, the first phase of construction includes preparatory work beneath the existing twin steel deck-truss bridges. The second phase will be construction of the southbound structure between the existing north and southbound spans. When that is done, crews will move northbound traffic onto the new structure, followed by demolition of the existing northbound bridge and construction of a new northbound structure in its place. By 2015, traffic will be moved into its final configuration, with demolition of existing southbound At 239 feet above the Little Miami River Gorge, the bridge is a tribute to bridge to follow. Jeremiah Morrow, Ohio’s ninth Governor and first U.S. Congressman Each structure will be marked for two lanes and following Ohio’s admittance to the Union. shoulders, but the new width will allow for future reconfigu- ration for three lanes for any future widening of I-71.

Transcript, July/Aug 2010 • 5 Ohio State Fair display celebrates historic construction investments Joel Hunt, Central Office

DOT’s orange barrels – a symbol of the percentage of the U.S. population is within just a day’s drive state’s summer construction season – joined the of Ohio’s borders? The answer was part of a special exhibit on butter cow and the prize-winning animals at the ODOT’s statewide multimodal transportation futures plan. O2010 Ohio State Fair. Also popular was a six-foot-tall construction-worker sign Commemorating ODOT’s historic $2 billion invest- with an oval cutout that visitors could put their faces into ment in construction projects in 2010, ODOT’s Ohio State and have their picture taken. Fair display this year resembled a work zone, complete with Nearly 50 ODOT ambassadors from Central Office and heavy equipment, orange barrels, and a changeable message districts 5 and 6 staffed the display, distributing publications board. and answering questions from fairgoers. There was also a 30- by 18-foot mural showing the many Rick Hentz, transportation technician specialist in the modes of transportation that keep Ohioans connected today Office of Aerial Engineering, has volunteered for the fair for and in the future. the past 12 years. “I enjoy getting out and meeting people,” “As we mark the historic $2 billion end of state fiscal year Hentz said. “Some of the same questions come up every year, 2010, Team ODOT is now focused on a second $2 billion but there are always plenty of new ones.” investment for state fiscal year 2011,” said Scott Varner, Since 1912, ODOT has also been a staple at the fair, deputy director of the Division of Communications, whose highlighting the state’s transportation progression and team oversees the fair display. “We think this accomplish- efforts to make travel safer and more environmentally- ment is something Ohioans should be proud of.” friendly. Visitors to ODOT’s fair display also took a “Go It is estimated between 500 and 800 fairgoers visit Ohio Transportation IQ Quiz.” Do you know what ODOT’s display every day.

ODOT asks young drivers to make a pledge Joel Hunt, Central Office

s part of this year’s Ohio State Fair, ODOT these distracted-driver crashes asked Ohio’s youngest drivers to pledge to not text According to those same studies, as much as 71 percent of while behind the wheel. drivers admit to texting or talking on the phone while behind AAt ODOT’s fair display, visitors age 16 to 25 were asked the wheel. if they if they text while driving. Thousands responded with “One in four teen drivers say they’ve texted behind the surprising results. wheel, and that’s a trend we’ve got to confront head on,” said “I was surprised how many people admitted that they U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. have texted while driving,” said Julie Walcoff, Safe Routes to According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, School program manager and fair volunteer. “This is a great taking your eyes off of the road for two seconds doubles opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while your crash risk. It also only takes two seconds to turn off driving and change behaviors of those young people who do.” the phone before getting behind the wheel. US DOT and Convincing young drivers to put down their cell phones AAA are sponsoring a National Two-Second Turnoff Day on has become a national safety effort, led by the U.S. Depart- September 17 to remind teens to take two seconds and turn ment of Transportation. off the phone while driving. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety For Ohio’s young drivers, in exchange for taking the Administration shows that in 2008, more than 20 percent of pledge, drivers received an orange “Slow for the Cone Zone” all crashes involved some type of distraction. Nearly 6,000 wristband. They also shared their email addresses to get people died and more than half a million were injured in further safety updates from ODOT.

6 • Transcript, July/Aug 2010 Transcript, July/Aug 2010 • 7 Central Toledo ‘Mega Project’ continues Theresa Pollick, District 2

orthwest Ohio’s long- team broke ground on the $63.9 million businesses and community members. awaited Interstate 75/475 project, marking years of planning Built in the late 1960s, the current interchange upgrade is under and a dedicated partnership between I-75/475 interchange outgrew its design. way.N On July 30, ODOT’s District 2 ODOT, the City of Toledo, local The new project will modernize this

Photo by Theresa 2 Pollick, District system’s interchange in Toledo, making the Central Toledo area more easily accessible. The construction also includes the rebuilding of the Douglas Road ramps and a new interchange at ProMedica Parkway. The I-75/475 interchange upgrade is part of ODOT’s I-75/475 “Mega Project” - three major projects designed to make improvements to the two interstates and the systems interchange. Phase 1 – the “Three Bridge Project” – removed piers and rebuilt the Central Avenue, Douglas Road and Auburn Avenue bridges to allow for the widening of the interstates below them. That project is complete. Phase 2, is the interchange upgrade now underway. Phase 3 is the widening of I-75, which is currently waiting Taking part in the groundbreaking for the I-75/475 interchange upgrade were District 2 Deputy TRAC funding to move forward in the Director David Dysard (left), Toledo Councilman Tom Waniewski, Toledo Mayor Mike Bell, and Toledo design process. Councilman George Sarantou. The I-75/I475 interchange upgrade will continue through the fall of 2013.

Ohio Transportation Review Advisory Council Ohio Cities propose major TRAC new transportation projects of the future aving asked cities and local communities A total of 65 projects were submitted for TRAC consid- across the state to propose major new transportation eration, with 28 Tier I projects and 27 Tier II projects being projects for Ohio’s future, the Ohio Transportation proposed. ReviewH Advisory Council has begun the process of reviewing ODOT’s Office of Systems Planning and Program more than five dozen projects – ranging from roadways and Management is evaluating each application. bridges to transit, rail, and water port investments – each Starting in September and running through October, seeking new investment and new development by ODOT. the TRAC will hold a series of four regional public hearings “From new funding for projects ready for construction around the state to meet with project sponsors. to new projects that will be examined and designed for the ODOT and members of the TRAC will review and future, we are looking for those transportation investments score the applications based on criteria which prioritizes that best reflect Governor Strickland’s focus on creating jobs projects using a benefit/cost ratio, added to measure the full and positioning Ohio to compete in a global economy,” said public benefit of the project, not just traffic and congestion. ODOT Director Molitoris. An enhanced economic development category also scores Chaired by ODOT’s director, the nine-member TRAC whether projects reclaim brownfields or improve access to job assists in developing a project selection process for ODOT’s centers and job-ready sites. The new scoring also emphasizes largest multimodal investments. the need for land use planning and recognizes communities Over the past two months, applications for new construc- who partner with state on investments in transportation. tion investments as well as funding for new planning, “Every major new road, bridge, rail, transit, airport, design, and right-of-way work have been submitted by local bikeway, pedestrian or port project that comes to our depart- municipalities, county commissioners and county engineers, ment will be judged as an economic development and job metropolitan planning organizations and port authorities. growth opportunity,” added Director Molitoris.

8 • Transcript, July/Aug 2010 On time, on budget in Tuscarawas County Becky Giauque, District 11 District 11 Photo District by Calvert, Eric wo major projects in Tuscarawas County are near completion – coming in on time andT on budget. Construction of a new, $11.5 million interchange off Interstate 77 at County Road 80 in Dover – intended to help relieve congestion at the existing I-77 interchanges in Dover and Strasburg – is about 70 percent complete to date and on schedule for a December completion. As of July 31, 2010, there have been 29,946 labor hours reported on the project since it began in mid-September 2009, with an average monthly workforce of 56 people. During the month of July alone, there were 15 contractors working with a total of 94 employees, recording 5,377 work hours. This new interchange will provide improved access to the rapidly developing area in north Dover and better access for commercial traffic due to current truck traffic restrictions. In addition to a new diamond interchange, the project included the reconstruction $3.5 million replacement of a 1906 As of July 31, 2010, there has been 10,526 of 0.7 mile of CR 80, the construc- bridge over the Tuscarawas River in the labor hours reported on the project with tion of a new overpass over I-77, the city of Dover with a new multi-span, an average monthly workforce of 14 replacement of a bridge over the Sugar multi-beam bridge with sidewalks and people. During the month of July alone, Creek, and the relocation of a portion pedestrian railing. there were three contractors working of Progress Street. Work is 75 percent complete to date with a total of 28 employees, logging Also nearing completion is the and on track for a November reopening. 2,658 work hours.

Photo by Abner, Mandi 7 District Working women at heart of renovations in Clark County garage Mandi Abner, District 7

any of the recent updates to ODOT’s 88 county garages have centered on efficiencies: light- saving fixtures to save energy, new heating systems Mto lower costs. The recently completed update to the Clark County Garage was also centered on equality. In June, crews completed a $141,000 project to upgrade Director Molitoris wields the giant scissors to snip the ribbon on the women’s restroom at the Springfield garage. Prior to this, renovations at the Clark County Garage. The Director is joined by Brandy there was only a one-person women’s facility that had the Shaw, Tricia Funderburgh and Becky Bayless from the Clark County lockers inside a single room. Garage, Equipment and Facilities Deputy Director Gary Wilhelm, Matt Now, the four women currently working out of this garage Price of MXP Construction, and District 7 Deputy Director Rex Dickey. on a regular basis have a 2-stall, 2-sink restroom with a separate locker room and 6 more lockers than previously.

Transcript, July/Aug 2010 • 9 Input sought from northeast Ohio residents, businesses on new Innerbelt bridge proposals Amanda Lee, District 12

fter months of sustainability and green engineering and initiatives, bridge aesthetics, design work, three design management, Ateams competing to build proposed design, construc- Cleveland’s new Interstate tion management, quality 90 Innerbelt Bridge delivered management, schedule, their technical and price community relations, proposals – part of ODOT’s on-the-job training and unique design-build effort to cost. build the state’s largest single “ODOT personnel and transportation investment. City of Cleveland officials Through the month are excited to be moving of August, engineers and forward with this design- technical experts from Bridge Proposal ‘A’ build project,” said District ODOT and the City of 12 Deputy Director Bonita Cleveland are carrying out G. Teeuwen. “The teams a thorough process of evaluating each In order to complete construc- that submitted renderings showed of the three technical proposals. At the tion on this project faster, ODOT is a high level of design, construction same time, ODOT is asking citizens using a unique value based design- and management experience, so their and businesses in Northeast Ohio build process, in which the design proposals should be very competitive.” to weigh in on the look of the new After the technical proposals have structure. been evaluated, the price proposals Conceptual day and night render- “ . . . that bridge will be opened. The project will be ings of the proposed structure were awarded to the team which provides made public online so that northeast design [ . . . ] brings the “best value” based on a combina- Ohio residents could comment on their tion of the technical and the price preferred aesthetic elements. In the first with it a vibrancy that proposals. three days, ODOT received more than The three teams chosen in March 750 responses. makes Cleveland that 2010 to prepare proposals are Lane/ “When I travel, what catches my eye much more desirable Brayman, A Joint Venture, LLC with is the landmark in that particular city. designer FIGG; Trumbull-Great Lakes- Cleveland is rich with history, but we aesthetically.” Ruhlin, A Joint Venture (TGR) with are starting over. The newer contempo- designer Parsons Transportation Group rary bridge would stand out for miles,” Inc.; and Walsh Construction with replied one northeast Ohio resident. and construction of the project are designer HNTB Ohio Inc. “… that bridge design completely combined in a single contract – with Estimated at $450 million, the romanticizes and accentuates the city’s the award going to a team of designers contract on the I-90 Innerbelt Bridge natural and timeless beauty. It brings and construction contractors. will be awarded this September. with it a vibrancy that makes Cleveland The department and the city laid Construction is expected to begin in that much more desirable aesthetically,” out selection criteria for choosing the 2011 and the entire project is expected said another. final design-build team, including: to be complete by June 2014.

Bridge Proposal ‘B’ Bridge Proposal ‘C’

10 • Transcript, July/Aug 2010 Anniversary of Historic Disability Act highlighted by new investment Kate Stickle, District 5 District 5 Photo District by Stickle, Kate oinciding with the anniversary of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ODOT’s District 5 team celebrated the opening of its new Caccessible entrance its district headquarters in Jacksontown. Wider sidewalks and ramps will better serve the public and ODOT employees, said District 5 Deputy Director Karl Newman, who led the efforts to have the outdated entrance demolished, reconstructed and improved. The improvement at the District 5 Headquarters is one of the many ODOT efforts across the state to improve facilities to meet ADA accessibility. Over a two-year period, ODOT has been undertaking a $9.5 million investment at 44 of its highway rest areas to improve ADA accessibility and create greener facilities. “The American Disabilities Act is the most comprehensive civil rights legislation adopted to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities,” said Kim Watson, ODOT’s Internal Civil Rights Manager, Title VI and ADA/504 Celebrating a new and better-accessible entrance to the district office are Coordinator. Marc Guthrie, District 5 Business and Human Resources administrator Signed on July 26, 1990, the ADA represents landmark (left); Shelba Bradley, Central Office Division of Equal Opportunity; Rick federal legislation to open up services and employment Williams, District 5 Highway Management administrator; Kim Watson, opportunities to the estimated 43 million Americans with Central Office internal civil rights manager; Trenne Pruitt, Central Office disabilities. Division of Equal Opportunity; Karl Newman, District 5 deputy director; Congress recognized that disabled Americans were at Sarah Johnson, Central Office Division of Equal Opportunity. an enormous disadvantage. They were often discriminated against in their access to public institutions, educational opportunities, and the ability to find employment. When the of employment areas, including public transportation and ADA was signed into law, it extended civil rights protections state and local government services, public accommodations, to individuals with physical or mental disabilities in a variety telecommunications.

Intermodal yard upgrade gets underway in Toledo Stu Nicholson, ORDC

oledo’s role as a freight distribution point anticipated demand to move freight by rail nearly doubling for the Midwest soon will be strengthened, as an over the next 20 years, these public-private partnerships nearly $12.3 million project to expand capacity benefit our nation’s transportation infrastructure.” andT upgrade Norfolk Southern’s Airline Yard is set to get This project also elevates Toledo and Northwest Ohio’s underway with the official notice to proceed from the Ohio strategic connection to national and international markets. Rail Development Commission. “Toledo is ideally situated on Lake Erie, on the Maumee ODOT directed $6.5 million in funding from the River and at the junction of I-75 and the Ohio Turnpike,” American Recovery & Reinvestment Act to cover nearly half says Toledo Mayor Mike Bell. “We have the land, an able of the project’s cost – the remainder will come from ORDC, workforce, reasonable rates and an accommodating transit the Ohio Department of Development and NS. flow to help move product through the region and into the Airline Yard already handles intermodal traffic, arriving marketplace.” and departing on NS’s fast double stack intermodal trains, “With the $2.75 million Logistics and Distribution Loan but the freight carrier has not been able to operate at its peak made possible through the Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus capabilities because of heavy rail traffic moving through the Plan, this project will assist the Toledo area and Ohio’s freight yard, which sits on one of the heaviest-traveled rail freight industry,” said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, director of the Ohio corridors in the U.S. Department of Development. “With Ohio’s prime location in The yard also sits on a major junction for many trains the Midwest, Norfolk Southern’s Airline Yard will be an asset traveling to and from Detroit. Because of the congestion, to businesses in the area, create jobs, and improve the state’s many intermodal trains bypass Toledo for other intermodal overall economy.” facilities in the Midwest. New track capacity, signals and new equipment and “This project streamlines our intermodal operations in machinery are among the upgrades that will be included in Toledo and improves the efficiency of Airline Yard,” said Bob the project. The ORDC notice to proceed allows NS to move Huffman, NS vice president intermodal operations. “With the ahead with the purchase of construction materials.

Transcript, July/Aug 2010 • 11 OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1980 W. BROAD ST. • COLUMBUS, OHIO 43223 Phone: 614-466-7170 • Fax: 614-644-8662

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DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS Scott Varner, Deputy Director Michael Stout, Design Editor ODOT at the Fair – see story, page 6 Ted Strickland, Governor Jolene M. Molitoris, Director ODOT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and PROVIDER OF SERVICES

12 • Transcript, July/Aug 2010 Photo by Bruce Hull, Central Office