Progress Continues on Norwood Lateral

HAMILTON COUNTY - After seventy-two days of construction, contractors for the Ohio Department of Transportation are making great progress on the westbound lanes of the Norwood Lateral; however, unforeseen construction issues will prevent crews from meeting their targeted opening date later this month.

As was announced prior to its closure during the late evening hours June 9, the contractor's goal was to have the route reopened in 80 days, an ambitious schedule which would have had the Lateral open to traffic on August 30.

Although the goal was to reopen the westbound lanes at the end of August, the contract allows for a 90-day closure. However, the schedule has been pushed out approximately two weeks due to several construction-related issues. In addition to intermittent periods of inclement weather causing some delay, the Ross Avenue bridge required unanticipated additional design and construction work to rectify structural steel issues that were discovered during its rehabilitation.

Currently, contractors are finishing their work on the Ross Avenue bridge and will be pouring concrete for the deck overlay next week, weather permitting. In addition, crews are in the process of completing milling and pavement repairs prior to paving the new surface course, which should begin the first week of September.

A specific day to reopen the westbound lanes has yet to be determined; however, it is anticipated that the Lateral will be reopened to traffic during the week of September 9, putting it close to or within the contract's 90-day window for closure. Of course, with the closure still in effect, thru-traffic motorists continue to be diverted by way of S.R. 126/Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway or Fort Washington Way and I-75.

The total project includes rehabilitating the mainline bridges over Paddock Road, Reading Road and Ross Avenue by replacing joints and barriers, painting structural steel, installing new steel members, and sealing the structures, as well as upgrading guardrail, lighting and signs, repairing deteriorated concrete and resurfacing the Lateral between the Paddock Road interchange and Interstate 71.

Construction in the eastbound lanes of the Lateral began in mid-March, and work was completed in late May, three days in advance of the 80-day proposed schedule.

The Great Lakes Construction Company was awarded a contract for approximately $21.4 million to complete the project, and while major construction will wrap up in September, the entire project is scheduled for completion in June 2025.

Motorists are reminded of the need for additional caution through the work zone, and for ongoing traffic, construction and weather-related information throughout the state, please visit www.OHGO.com.