May 19, 2008 – Orange Road Bridge Project Update

The County Engineer is nearing completion on final engineering plans for the new Orange Road bridge. The project team is currently negotiating with affected property owners for the necessary right of way to build the new bridge. Construction on the new bridge is scheduled to begin this fall, with completion of the new bridge scheduled for summer 2009.

The first phase of the project will include construction of a new bridge located about 200 feet north of the existing bridge, connecting a realigned Orange Road to State Route 315. A temporary stop-controlled intersection will be built while plans for the proposed roundabout are finalized. The second phase of the project will include construction of a single lane roundabout at the intersection of Orange, Carriage and State Route 315. The new bridge will be built to accommodate the roundabout and no bridge modifications will be necessary for the second phase of the project. A construction schedule for the roundabout will be announced when it becomes available.

September 14, 2007: Orange Road Bridge Closed Until Further Notice

The County Engineer’s Office is currently evaluating the feasibility of repairs to the West Orange Road bridge over the Olentangy River. The current estimate of repairs that would be necessary to reopen the bridge at the current 3-ton load limit is about $300,000, which includes replacement of the existing steel beams that support the wood decking as well as repairs to the west abutment. Construction would take about 3 months.

Delaware County is committed to the prudent use of taxpayer dollars and wants to make the most reasonable decision regarding such a large expenditure of road and bridge funds on a one-lane bridge with limited service life remaining and reduced load capacity. Plans for future reuse of the 109 year old bridge have been under discussion for some time and include ideas such as a dedicated pedestrian crossing at the current site or moving the bridge to a planned pedestrian facility at another location.

Right of way and construction plans for the new bridge to be built about 200 feet north of the existing bridge are currently under design. The Engineer’s Office expects to start purchasing necessary right of way for the new bridge this fall. Construction is planned to start later in 2008.

The Engineer’s Office appreciates the patience of all area residents inconvenienced by this closure. Additional information will be released when it is available.

August 29, 2007: Orange Road Bridge Closed Until Further Notice

Due to the discovery of recent deterioration in the bridge deck system during a regularly scheduled structural inspection, the West Orange Road bridge will be closed while the County Engineer evaluates the repair options.

The deterioration that was discovered during the inspection is related to the wood decking and the steel beams that support the deck timbers. The Engineer is concerned about localized deck system failures and/or holes in the deck that could potentially damage vehicles crossing the bridge. While the steel stringers that support the timber deck are not a main structural part of the bridge that could cause catastrophic failure of the bridge, any failure in a bridge member can potentially cause property damage and/or injury.

The safety of the motorists using the bridge is of paramount importance to the County Engineer's Office, and for this reason the bridge will remain closed until the Engineer determines what repairs can be made. Traffic will be detoured to Home Road.

Please monitor the Web site for additional details as they become available. You may also visit the Delaware County Engineer's Office Web site at www.delawarecountyengineer.org.

About the Project
Delaware County is nearing completion of the preliminary engineering studies on the Orange Road bridge project located just north of Powell, Ohio.

As we have said from the beginning of the project, public comments and suggestions are very important as a guide for the engineer's office. Many residents have responded and we thank them.

Why the project is necessary
The existing bridge is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete based on its reduced structural capacity, width and sight distance. The project team is committed to providing a safe and efficient river crossing to the traveling public.

What’s been done so far?
Project engineers have analyzed existing capacity and safety conditions. There has also been active seeking of public input through this Web site and meetings with various stakeholders. This research has allowed us to develop a purpose and need for the project and feasible roadway alternatives. The first open house was held on April 26 to present these findings. A subsequent open house was held on December 13 to present the preferred alternative. Go here for exhibits and handouts displayed at these events, and to give us your input on these findings.

So what’s next?
Project engineers will perform detailed engineering and prepare final mitigation plans. It is estimated that the engineering and public involvement will be underway through most of 2007.

Although much depends on coordination with other public agencies, it is anticipated that any construction will not occur until 2008, and would likely take about 12 months to complete. There are still several key elements to which Delaware County needs your input, including what should be done with the existing bridge and what types of aesthetic design elements should be incorporated into the project? There will be a third open house in 2007, stay informed by signing up for email bulletins.

Questions?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our frequently asked questions, please contact Robert Riley, Delaware County Project Manager, by calling 740-833-2400 or by e-mailing info@orangeroadbridge.org.