Lake County Engineer
James R. Gills, P.E., P.S.
News Releases - Road Closings & Openings
November 4, 2009
LAKE COUNTY, OHIO SALT POLICY – 2009-2010
Salt costs are continuing to impact the County Engineer’s efforts to maintain roads this winter. The Lake County Engineer’s Office is responsible for over 304 lane miles of County Roads and 88 lane miles along SR 2 from the Cuyahoga County line to the US 20/SR 2 split in Perry Township. There are thirteen to fourteen snowplow trucks on the County Road system and four snowplow trucks on SR 2. Our crews use a combination of salt, Geomelt (an agricultural additive mixed with the salt) and/or cinder materials to maintain the freeway and County highway system.
High salt costs require us to revise our salting and deicing procedures. We will use salt as the primary tool in deicing the freeway. This year, however, we will use salt at a reduced rate. During each winter storm, the priority will be the slower (right) lane and the ramps along SR 2. The faster (left) lane will be spot treated until the storm eases or we have reasonably cleared the other areas of SR 2.
On the County highway system, we will use a combination of salt, Geomelt and cinders. The ratio of salt to cinders will be dependent on traffic volumes and snowfall amounts. These ratios will either be a 50/50 mix of salt to cinders or a 67/33 mix of salt to cinders. As conditions dictate, we will use an additional truck on some routes. The salting priority for the County Highway system will be hills, bends and intersections. The straights will be spot treated in a manner to keep them passable. As the storm eases, we will put material down on the straights. This will continue until the storm ends.
During the evening hours (8 PM – 4 AM), the County will put down minimal material to keep the highways passable. This is a time when traffic volumes are low. This nighttime salting policy applies only to the County Highway system, not SR 2.
Our salting policy will not deice roadways as quickly as in the past. Supply and demand in tandem with economics have forced us to make these changes. Our goal with this policy is to continue to provide the citizens of Lake County with a safe driving environment and allow us to stretch our reserves for the entire winter season. It will require county drivers to cooperate during these events. Please exercise caution on our roadways during snow and ice conditions.
October 15, 2009
CHAPEL ROAD AND GREEN ROAD 4-WAY STOP
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced that the intersection of Green Road and Chapel Road in Madison Township will become a 4-way stop effective mid-morning on October 19, 2009. The change is due to an increase in traffic in the general area. The four-way stop is a measure being used to increase safety for the motorists traveling through the intersection.
October 15, 2009
HOOSE ROAD DECK REPAIR 2009
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that a maintenance project to repair the existing deck at the Hoose Road Bridge over a stream approximately ½ mile West of the Mentor City line is scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 20, 2009, - Weather Permitting. The project consisting of placement of a waterproofing membrane and asphalt overlay on the deck shall be performed by County personnel. The repair project is expected to take a half day to complete. For safety considerations, the road shall be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to perform the work in phases.
Motorists are advised to use King Memorial and Morley Roads as an alternate.
Mr. Gills stated, “While we recognize the inconvenience, these repairs are necessary to keep the bridge in good condition for the traveling public.”
October 8, 2009
RIVER ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
In an effort to expedite the completion of the River Road Safety Improvement project, River Road will be closed to traffic on Saturday, October 10, 2009, weather permitting, for roadway paving. Work will begin approximately 2400’ east of Turney Road and continue west to a point east of the YMCA driveways.
Traffic will be detoured via Webb Road, SR 84 and Wood Road. No through traffic will be permitted. Residents within the work zone should travel westbound to access their homes. All motorists are asked to plan ahead accordingly.
August 11, 2009
BOWHALL ROAD, PARK ROAD, AND LANE ROAD CLOSINGS
AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Multiple roads in Painesville Township and Perry Township will be closed at various times between August 12, 2009 and August 21, 2009 for repairs to the CSX Railroad Tracks.
Weather permitting, the work will be performed as follows:
Bowhall Rd.: EMERGENCY – Wednesday, August 12, 2009 to Friday, August 14, 2009
Suggested alternate routes – Hale Road, Lane Road, South Ridge (SR 84), and Madison Avenue.
Park Road: Sunday, August 16, 2009 to Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Suggested alternate routes – Hale Road, Bowhall Road, and Madison Avenue.
Lane Road: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 to Friday, August 21, 2009
Suggested alternate routes – Hale Road, Bowhall Road, Madison Avenue and South Ridge Road (SR 84).
Park Road will be open prior to work beginning on the tracks across Lane Road.
April 28, 2009
RIVER ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
The Lake County Engineers Office will be beginning a safety improvement project on River Road in Perry Township and Madison Township. Work is expected to commence the first or second week of May depending on the weather. The project will entail full depth pavement replacement, widening and improvements to the vertical grade to increase sight distance. Waterline replacement is included in some sections.
Construction will begin approximately 2400’ east of Turney Road and continue west to the YMCA driveways. The work zones will move throughout this section as work is completed. During construction, traffic will be detoured via Webb Road, SR 84 and Wood Road. Local traffic within the moving work zone will be maintained in the eastbound direction for residents with drives within the zone only and for emergency vehicles, school buses and postal vehicles. All other traffic will be required to utilize the detour.
The anticipated completion date for the project is November 1, 2009.March 11, 2009
ST CLAIR STREET BRIDGE LOAD RESTRICTION
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that, as of March 13, 2009, the county bridge at St Clair Street over the Chagrin River will be posted with a reduced maximum total load limit per vehicle. The reduced load limit, in accordance with section 5591.42 of the Ohio Revised Code, is in place due to deterioration of the structure components rendering the bridge in such condition that damage is occurring from heavy highway loads. The restricted load is as follows:
WILLOUGHBY
St. Clair Street Bridge (0.1 mi. S. of SR 2, just west of Lost Nation Road) over the Chagrin River:
(SFN 4352394) 8 Tons (16,000lbs)
Mr. Gills stated, “Safety considerations balanced with longevity of the bridge is foremost in our minds as we manage these assets within this region of the County. This office is dedicated to safely engineering the future of Lake County for the traveling public.”
November 14, 2008
CASCADE ROAD BRIDGE TRUSS REHABILITATION PROJECT
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that the Cascade Road Bridge Truss Rehabilitation project in Concord Township is complete and open to traffic. The project consists of rehabilitating the 52-year-old Steel Warren Pony Trusses over Big Creek at two locations, placement of new concrete abutment seats, a new bridge deck system, new guardrail and site drainage. The existing full height concrete and stone foundations were reused to accommodate the refurbished single span bridges. The contractor, Union Industrial Contractors, from Ashtabula, Ohio completed the $793,000.00 project on schedule and within the budget. Approximately 30 percent of the construction cost is funded from the Ohio Public Works Commission under a grant with the remainder of funds from local gasoline and auto license taxes.
Both bridges were completed within the existing alignment of the road that carries two-way traffic.
Mr. Gills stated, “These bridges still have plenty of life remaining that preserves the aesthetic look of the past at a cost savings of an entirely new bridge.”
October 28, 2008
BLAIR ROAD WING WALL REPAIR 2008
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that an emergency project to repair the existing 40-foot long bridge stone abutment wing wall at the Grand River crossing in Perry Township is complete and open to traffic. County personnel repaired the existing shifted stone wing wall in the North upstream area using geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) technology. This work employs the use of common building materials engineered together resulting in a cost effective composite material. The repair was necessary due to river flows eroding the loose mortar joints between the stones within the 100 year old stone walls. The project is funded by local gasoline and license tax.
Mr. Gills stated, “Using innovative repair methods allowed the County to complete the repair quickly and ahead of schedule. We understand that this is an important route that must be maintained. We hope that the approach taken to complete this work helped minimize the impact on the motorists.”
October 7, 2008
BLAIR ROAD WING WALL REPAIR 2008
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that an emergency project to repair the existing 40-foot long bridge stone abutment wing wall at the Grand River crossing in Perry Township is scheduled to begin Tuesday October 14, 2008. The estimated $95,000.00 project shall be performed by County personnel. The repair involves removal and repositioning of the existing shifted stone wing wall in the North upstream area to stabilize the failing hillside near the bridge. The repair is necessary due to river flows eroding the lose mortar joints between the stones within the 100 year old stone walls. The repair project is expected to take up to a month to perform the unexpected work. For safety considerations, the road shall remain closed. The project shall be funded by local gasoline and license tax.
A 300-foot portion of Blair Road at the bridge crossing the Grand River shall be closed during construction while motorists are encouraged to avoid the area or use alternate routes including Ford Road, SR 528 and River Road.
Mr. Gills stated, “These repairs are necessary to keep the roadway and bridge stable adjacent to the steep riverbank. We recognize the inconvenience to those who travel this important route and hope to have the repairs completed as quickly as possible.”
July 30, 2008
AUBURN ROAD CULVERT REPAIR
Auburn Road in Concord Township will closed between 9:00am and 3:00pm on Tuesday, August 5th and Wednesday, August 6th, weather permitting. Said closure is located between Colburn Road and Girdled Road. The closure is necessary for County crews to make immediate repairs to a 36” culvert.
During the repair, traffic will be detoured via Colburn Road, S.R. 44, and Girdled Road. Signs will be posted.
July 2, 2008
DAVIS ROAD CLOSED AT RAILROAD CROSSING
Due to unforeseen delays, Davis Road in Perry Township will remain closed until Tuesday, July 8, 2008 for repairs to the Norfolk & Southern Railroad tracks. The tracks are located between Call Road and SR 84. The suggested alternate route is Call Road, Middle Ridge Road, Townline Road and SR 84.
June 24, 2008
DAVIS ROAD CLOSED AT RAILROAD CROSSING
Davis Road in Perry Township will be closed the week of June 30, 2008 for repairs to the Norfolk & Southern Railroad tracks. The tracks are located between Call Road and SR 84. The suggested alternate route is Call Road, Middle Ridge Road, Townline Road and SR 84.
JUNE 12, 2008
FAY ROAD BRIDGE OPENING NEAR STATE ROUTE 86
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that the Fay Road Bridge over Big Creek immediately south of State Route 86 in Concord Township will be open to traffic by 5 p.m. on Monday June 16, 2008, 6 months from the closure last year. The Contractor, Perk Company, of 8100 Grand Avenue, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio, 44104 completed the $507,907.00 project in less than 5 months and 2 weeks ahead of schedule. The federally-sponsored Project, utilizing 90% Federal Funding replaced the existing bridge with an 88-foot long pre-stressed reinforced concrete box beam bridge on new concrete supports. The supports were formed and colored to simulate the original 100 year old cut sandstone foundations. Environmental constraints required all foundation work to be completed in the winter prior to April 15 with no creek impacts beyond this date to preserve the local habitat.
A 250-foot portion of Fay Road was closed to traffic during construction between SR 86 and Palmer Road requiring a detour that affected many local residents in the Concord Township region.
Mr. Gills stated, “Hats off to all those involved with this successful project, especially our contractor who built this structure under some extreme winter conditions and finished the project ahead of schedule. We expect the aesthetic enhancements coupled with meeting the environmental commitments will preserve this pristine scenic corridor.”
May 21, 2008
LANE ROAD, PARK ROAD, AND BOWHALL ROAD CLOSINGS
AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Multiple roads in Perry Township and Painesville Township will be closed at various times during the week of May 26, 2008 for repairs to the CSX Railroad Tracks.
Weather permitting, all work will be performed between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. as follows:
Lane Road: Monday, May 26, 2008 to Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Suggested alternate routes – Hale Road, Bowhall Road, Madison Avenue
and South Ridge Road (SR 84).
Park Road: Monday, May 26, 2008 to Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Suggested alternate routes – Hale Road, Bowhall Road, and
Madison Avenue.
Bowhall Rd.: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 to Thursday, May 29, 2008
Suggested alternate routes – Hale Road, Lane Road, South Ridge (SR 84), and Madison Avenue.
Lane Road will be open prior to work beginning on the tracks across Bowhall Road.
May 8, 2008
WORRELL ROAD BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT 2008
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that in order to complete the project to replace the existing bridge on Worrell Road over Cave’s Creek 0.4 miles south of U.S. Route 6 in Willoughby Hills City, spring work will require a final pavement surface and permanent erosion control measures. The work shall be performed starting Monday, May 12, 2008 for the next 3 weeks (weather permitting) while maintaining traffic. The contractor, C.I.R., Inc., from Geneva, Ohio had to suspend this final work due to winter conditions last year. The project includes a bridge replacement, significant underground utility relocation work, realigning 500 feet of roadway, and site drainage improvements.
Traffic will be maintained within a 500-foot portion of roadway using one lane, two-way traffic restrictions during work operations. The road will be open to unrestricted traffic between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Mr. Gills stated, “It is our hope that motorists will be minimally affected by this final touch up work scheduled this month.”
April 11, 2008
CALLOW ROAD BRIDGE EMBANKMENT REPAIR 2008
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that an emergency project to repair the existing single-span concrete slab bridge embankment on Callow Road is tentatively scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. The bridge is located over East Creek approximately 0.3 miles south of SR 86 in Leroy Township. The project will be performed by County personnel and consists of repairing portions of the existing wingwalls with similar sandstones in order to reopen both lanes for traffic. The 18-ton capacity bridge has been reduced to a single lane since a recent failure of the northwestern wingwall. The work will be performed while maintaining traffic and is expected to last approximately two weeks.
Mr. Gills stated, “We recognize the inconveniences to those who use this crossing but this work must be performed immediately to secure the road from further damage. Long-term solutions will be to replace the structure with a wider and stronger bridge.”
April 4, 2008
CASCADE ROAD BRIDGE TRUSS REHABILITATION PROJECT
Lake County Engineer, James R. Gills, announced today that the Cascade Road Bridge Truss Rehabilitation project in Concord Township should begin on Monday, April 14, 2008. The project consists of rehabilitating the 52-year-old Steel Warren Pony Trusses over Big Creek at two locations, placement of new concrete abutment seats, a new bridge deck system, new guardrail and site drainage. The existing full height concrete and stone foundations will be reused to accommodate the refurbished single span bridges. The contractor, Union Industrial Contractors, from Ashtabula, Ohio is scheduled to complete the $855,095.00 project in the second half of November. Approximately 30 percent of the construction cost is funded from the Ohio Public Works Commission under a grant with the remainder of funds from local gasoline and auto license taxes.
Two 250-foot portions of Cascade Road will each require a separate closure not at the same time. The posted detour for both closures will be along Girdled Road, S.R. 608, and Williams Road. The north structure closure will begin first at a near address of 7236 Cascade Road. Both refurbished bridges will mimic the existing alignment of the road to carry two-way traffic.
Mr. Gills stated, “In this case, recycling bridge materials reduces construction time and money while significantly extending the life of these bridges. These refurbished goods still have quality life remaining that preserves the aesthetic look of the past at a cost savings from an entirely new bridge.”
March 26, 2008
FAY ROAD DETOUR CHANGED
In anticipation of the Ohio Department of Transportation closing the north hill of S.R. 86 on Monday, March 31, 2008, the detour for the Fay Road Bridge closure is being revised. The new detour will utilize Ravenna Road, S.R. 608, Williams Road and S.R. 86