AKRON, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on its plans to replace the 1,500-foot long Ohio 8 bridge with two new bridges.

To comment, contact Robert Lang, ODOT Environmental Specialist, at 330-786-4975 or Robert.Lang@dot.ohio.gov. The project team already has taken feedback from many interested parties about the aesthetic features of the bridge.

The $130 million project is expected to start in late 2020 and be completed in 2024.

Preliminary information was introduced at public meetings in July 2015 and May 2016. Currently, the project is moving forward on schedule and engineering and environmental considerations are being considered.

The project team is considering construction methods that include access roads and locations for the contractor to have ample space to tear down the existing bridge and construct the new bridges.

Design/construction and environmental impacts associated with the project include:

Impacts on streams, wetlands and protected bat habitats caused by access roads, which may be temporary or permanent. The acquisition of some property (temporary and permanent right-of-way) is proposed for the access roads.

Two separate six-month closures of Freedom Trail and additional short-term closures and restrictions. The detour during construction will use the existing paved connector trail between Freedom Trail and Adams Park, local roadways, and the new paved connector spur that joins Perkins Street and Freedom Trail. ODOT is partnering with Summit Metro Parks and the City of Akron to minimize impacts to trail users during construction and to enhance the trail by adding a scenic overlook under the new bridges and behind Freedom Trail.

Adams Park, located between Freedom Trail and Adams Street, will be temporarily impacted by the project. The paved connector trail spur between Adams Street and Freedom Trail will be relocated during construction.

The acquisition of approximately 0.23 acre of Lookout Park along Ohio 8 at the east park boundary for grading of the new highway slope. Park access will be maintained during construction.

Noise walls will be constructed along Ohio 8 at the following locations: on the west side of Ohio 8 between Glenwood Avenue and Lookout Park; on the east side of Ohio 8 between the former Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center and Celebration Church; on the west side of Ohio 8 between Adams Street and Perkins Street; and on the east side of Ohio 8 between Adams Street and Perkins Street. Area residents have provided input on the color and texture of the noise walls on the non-highway side.

ODOT is expected to maintain Ohio 8 traffic throughout the project. Traffic will continue to use the existing bridge during the construction of the first new bridge to the west. When the first new bridge is completed, all traffic will shift to the new bridge while the second bridge is constructed in place of the existing bridge. Short-term ramp closures at the Perkins Street and Glenwood Avenue interchanges may be needed during construction.

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