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ODOT Launches $158M SR8 Bridge Replacement

By Lori Tobias CEG CORRESPONDENT

Construction crews on the $158 million Ohio SR 8 bridge replacement project started off the new year with a major milestone that saw the “launching” of the final piece of structural steel on the new southbound structure.

“We’re hydraulically launching the bridge girders, instead of conventionally setting them,” said Josh Smith, project engineer. “A conventional set would be a crane picking up the steel and setting it on piers. Instead, we’re basically starting at one end of the bridge, and we build it in place and then push it out over the valley. In this case, we’re working from north to south. We kind of worked our way backwards, pushing the steel to each next location until ultimately, our last push in January landed on the rear abutment.”

The bridge project contract was awarded to The Ruhlin Company/Great Lakes SR 8 Joint Venture in spring 2023 and began in August 2023. It involves replacing the “iconic” existing bridge that was built in 1953. At 1,500-ft. long and 180-ft. high, the blue-painted steel bridge carries SR 8 over railroads, city streets and the Little Cuyahoga River and sees approximately 114,000 vehicles a day. It has undergone numerous repairs over the decades, prompting the decision that replacement would be more cost efficient than continued maintenance. The existing bridge has three lanes in each direction. It will be replaced with side-by-side southbound and northbound bridges, each with four lanes as well as shoulders.

This is the first time ODOT has used the hydraulic bridge launching method, Smith said. The first section was launched in July and spanned 196 ft. That was followed in August by the launch of the next section, 230-ft. in length. Each section was pushed from pier to pier using rollers and hydraulic jacks which moved sections at about 40 ft. per hour. A total of six launches — totaling 1,600 ft. and 8.2 million lbs. of steel — took place through the final launch in January.

“Really, it’s one of a very few projects using the launching method in the nation,” Smith said. “There are things to overcome in that regard alone. The idea of launching, instead of conventionally setting steel, was a challenge. But, between myself, the design team, the contractor and their enthusiasm, we were able to overcome any challenge.”

The

Ohio Cat Expands Presence With Three New Locations

Ohio Cat, the authorized dealer of Caterpillar equipment and engines in Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana, has recently expanded its presence by opening new rental store locations. These additions aim to enhance accessibility and support for customers across the region.

Washington Court House, Ohio

On Jan. 2, 2025, Ohio Cat announced the opening of a new store in Washington Court House, Ohio. Located at 1515 U.S. 22 NE, this facility offers rentals, sales, parts and service to meet the diverse needs of local industries. The store operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For rental inquires, call 740/636-2430. For sales inquiries call 740/6362429.

Upper Sandusky, Ohio

On Dec. 10, 2024, Ohio Cat opened a location in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Situated at 1820 East Wyandot Ave., this store also provides rentals, sales, parts and service offerings. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For rental services, call 419/731-2060. For sales inquiries call 419/731-2170.

Westerville, Ohio

Ohio Cat continues its expansion with the opening of a new rental store in Westerville, Ohio, on March 17, 2025. This location will further enhance accessibility for customers in the Columbus metropolitan area, offering a wide range of rental equipment.

The new store, located at 6005 Westerville Rd., will operate Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For rentals, call 614/948-2828.

Ohio Cat photo Light towers are available for rent at Ohio Cat Rentals.

Ohio Cat photo

The Ohio Cat Rental Store is a family-owned equipment rental company

southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky.

Ohio Cat photo

Ohio Cat, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the authorized dealer of Caterpillar equipment and engines in Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana

Ohio Cat photo Ohio Cat offers JLG boom lifts.

Trevor Bullock photo

Ohio Cat has a presence in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.

Ohio Asphalt Expo 2025 Paves Way for Industry Excellence

The Ohio Asphalt Expo 2025, held March 18-19, 2025, at the Columbus/Polaris Hilton Hotel, in Columbus, Ohio, brought together industry professionals for two days of education, innovation and networking.

Hosted by Flexible Pavements of Ohio, the event featured multiple educational sessions, an extensive trade show and opportunities for professionals to connect and share best practices.

The Expo offered a comprehensive lineup of educational sessions addressing current trends and challenges in the asphalt industry. On the first day, attendees explored topics such as “Balancing the Paver Operation” by Jason Wielinski of the Asphalt Institute, and “Achieving Sustainability Goals with Warm Mix Asphalt” presented by Katrina Mangiaracina of Ingevity. These sessions emphasized operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Mental health in construction also was a focal point, with Sonya Bohmann of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention leading a session on “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Construction: The Next Dimension of Safety,” sponsored by the Women of Asphalt, Ohio chapter. Technical topics included “Compaction Density and Rolling Patterns” by John Ball of Top Quality Paving, and “Benefits and Use Cases of Digital Stationing” presented by Patrick Russo of OnStation.

The second day featured an “Ohio Department of Transportation Update,” with insights from Josh Bowman, deputy director of the Division of Construction Management; Craig Landefeld of the Office of Pavement Engineering; and Julie Miller of the Office of Construction Administration. This session provided attendees with the latest developments in state transportation projects and policies.

see ASPHALT page

(L-R): Jordan Coleman of Ohio Drum, Alyssa Holden of Barrett Industries, and Jessica Kodrich of OnStation are empowering women in the asphalt industry. Women of Asphalt at the Ohio Asphalt Expo — leading, innovating and paving the way for the future of the industry.

Andrew Gall (R), president and executive director of Flexible Pavements of Ohio, presented more than 100 Quality Asphalt Paving awards at the 2025 luncheon.

(L-R): Cheri Isaac and Tyler Murphy of Stansteel/Hotmix Parts and John Ball of Top Quality Paving enjoy time catching up at the Ohio Asphalt Expo.

(L-R): Will Pappano, Mike Little, Linda Meier, Tim Cox, Chick Barnes and Chad Wiseman at the Ohio CAT booth were busy engaging with industry leaders and representing equipment and support for the asphalt and construction sectors.

(L-R): Jamie Hatfield and Flo Flowers of Flexible Pavements of Ohio, and Brandi Davis of the Shelly Company, greet more than 400 attendees at the Ohio Asphalt Expo 2025.

(L-R): Bryce Chekan and Cindy Ellis of Columbus Equipment Company and TJ Hendershot of CEC Smart Positioning showcase the latest technology and equipment for the asphalt industry.

Andrew Brockman of The McLean Company is on the Wirtgen 200 Fi at the Ohio Asphalt Expo. The Wirtgen 200 Fi is a high-performance cold milling machine designed for precision and efficiency in road rehabilitation.

Jeremiah Reinhardt (L) of LeeBoy and Mike McLean of The McLean Company with the LeeBoy 8608 paver, highlight top-tier paving equipment and industry expertise in the outdoor exhibit area.

ASPHALT from page 4

The Expo’s trade show featured both indoor and outdoor exhibits, allowing attendees to engage with the latest equipment and technologies. Exhibitors included industry leaders such as All States Materials Group, Ammann America, Astec Industries Inc., Columbus Equipment Company and Ohio CAT. The exhibition provided a platform for professionals to explore new products, services and solutions to enhance operations.

Networking opportunities were abundant, with events like the Chairman’s Reception, fostering collaboration among attendees. The Scholarship Awards Breakfast featured author and broadcaster Howard Kellman and the Quality Asphalt Paving

Flexible Pavements Hosts Asphalt Expo

Awards Luncheon honored excellence in the field, with Dave Slatzer, assistant director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, addressing the attendees.

The Ohio Asphalt Expo 2025 exemplified the industry’s dedication to continuous improvement, safety and sustainability. By bringing together professionals to share knowledge and innovations, the Expo played a pivotal role in advancing Ohio’s asphalt industry.

ODOT Announces Nearly $9M Investment in Local Bridges

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced Jan. 27, 2025, the award of $8.7 million to support bridge projects as part of ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program. This round of funding will go to modernizing and repairing four local bridges in Franklin, Fairfield, Hamilton and Lake counties.

“Investing in our local bridges builds safer connections and supports our economy by keeping our transportation system moving,” said Gov. DeWine. “Every dollar spent on bridge infrastructure is a direct investment in the security and prosperity of our communities.”

Since DeWine expanded the definition of a “local major bridge in 2022, ODOT has awarded 24 projects worth a total of $78 million dollars. The Local Major Bridge Program provides federal funds to counties and municipalities for bridge replacement, bridge rehabilitation, bridge demolition and major bridge preventative maintenance projects.

To qualify for the program, the bridge must be a moveable/lift bridge or a bridge having a deck area greater than 15,000 sq. ft. ODOT will fund up to 80 percent of eligible costs for all phases of the projects receiving awards. There is a maximum project cap of $20,000,000.

“Local communities depend on ODOT funding programs to maximize their infrastructure dollars and ensure their transportation assets are safe and reliable for years to come,” said Pamela Boratyn, ODOT director.

ODOT accepts Local Major Bridge applications annually starting Sept. 1 and ending Oct. 15. These funding requests are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary committee with a background in funding, program management, safety, environmental, and bridge analysis.

Projects include:

• Fairfield: CR 33A Major Preventative Maintenance — The project includes painting the CR 33A bridge over Broad Street. Scheduled to begin in 2029; cost: $1,081,620.

• Franklin: Fishinger Road Bridge Rehabilitation — The project includes repainting steel beams, installing new concrete surface and adding a shareduse path on the Fishinger Road bridge over the Scioto River. Scheduled to begin in 2029; cost: $6,556,736.

• Hamilton: Suspension Bridge Road Major Preventative Maintenance — The project includes a new asphalt surface, expansion joint replacement, guardrail replacement and other vital maintenance on the Suspension Bridge Road over Whitewater River. Scheduled to begin in 2029: cost: $932,800.

• Lake: Vrooman Road Major Preventative Maintenance — The project includes sealing the bridge deck of the Vrooman Road bridge over the Grand River and Seeley Road. Scheduled to begin in 2029: cost $176,880.

For more information, visit transportation.ohio.gov. 

Turner Reaches Milestone On $1B Cleveland Clinic Project

Turner Construction Company celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the $1 billion Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, placing the topping out beam during a ceremonial event.

The event was attended by approximately 600 guests, including Turner staff, trade partners, the design team and Cleveland Clinic representatives.

Spanning more than 1 million sq. ft., the facility is designed and being built to enhance inpatient and outpatient neurological care. It will house advanced imaging and surgical services, research and innovation laboratories and collaborative treatment spaces focused on understanding and treating disorders of the brain, spine and nerves.

“Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our entire team, trade partners, design team and the Cleveland Clinic,” said Paul LeClair, vice president and construction executive, Turner Construction Company. “This project represents more than steel and concrete — it embodies a commitment to advance neurological care and will have a positive impact on those affected by Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders. We are proud to

help deliver a world-class facility that will make a lasting impact on patients, caregivers, and the broader community.”

Andre Machado, chief of the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the facility’s important role in advancing neurological care.

“This is a unique facility dedicated to the outpatient and inpatient care of patients with disorders of the brain, spine and nerves. It will house a highly advanced and integrated team of professionals who have a dual mission: to provide the best care possible today while discovering the neurological care of tomorrow.”

“The topping out of the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute is a major milestone for northeast Ohio,” said Taurean Spratt, vice president and general manager. “This facility will stand as a place of hope, healing and innovation for generations to come. We celebrate not just the progress of construction, but the promise of better healthcare. Thank you to our incredible team for making this possible.”

Construction of the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute is on track for completion in December 2026.

Ohio DOT photo

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced Jan. 27, 2025, the award of $8.7 million to support bridge projects as part of ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program.

Turner Construction photo

Turner Construction Company celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the $1 billion Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute.

New Ohio Cat Stores Offer Convenience to More Customers

The addition of the Westerville store aligns with Ohio Cat’s mission to provide top-tier equipment solutions across Ohio, according to the company.

Statewide Presence

Ohio Cat operates more than a dozen locations throughout Ohio, including areas such as Columbus, Broadview Heights and Troy. This extensive network ensures that customers across Ohio have convenient access to equipment rental solu-

tions and these new locations reflect Ohio Cat’s commitment to expanding its reach and providing quality services to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Ohio Cat Rentals

The Ohio Cat Rental Store is a family-owned equipment rental company serving all of Ohio, as well as regions in southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky. Ohio Cat Rentals offers a comprehensive range of equipment and services to support various industries. 

Port of Cleveland Off to Strong Start in 2025 With $97M in Financing

The Port of Cleveland continues to play a critical role in advancing redevelopment projects across northeast Ohio, approving financing, sales tax savings and PACE bonds to support more than $97 million in transformative projects in Cleveland and Lakewood.

The approved projects include the redevelopment of a historic Ohio City property; the transformation of a former auto dealership in Lakewood; and the construction of a new senior living and library facility on Cleveland’s west side.

Together, these projects will add more than 300 new apartments, including 51 units of affordable senior housing, along with commercial and community spaces.

With this latest action, the Port has now approved more than $850 million in financing assistance since January 2024.

The projects approved are:

• Barry Buick Redevelopment (Lakewood) — $24.4 million lease revenue bonds — The Port approved $24.4 million in lease revenue bonds to support the redevelopment of the former Barry Buick auto dealership and service center on Detroit Road. The $30.5 million project will feature two four-story mixed-use buildings with 124

apartments and 1,500 sq. ft. of commercial space. Construction is slated to begin in Q1 2025 and finish by Q2 2026. The development is led by NewBrook Partners and The Krueger Group.

• Rauch & Lang Carriage Company (Voss Aerospace Building, Ohio City) — capital lease and $8 million PACE bond fund bonds — The Port is partnering with MRN Ltd subsidiaries to redevelop the historic Voss Aerospace building into Rauch & Lang Carriage Company, a $51.6 million mixed-use project. The Port will provide sales tax savings through a capital lease and issue $8 million in PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) bonds for energy efficiency improvements. The project will include 129 apartments, 8,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, 5,000 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant space and parking for 122 vehicles.

Originally constructed in the 1870s, the building played a key role in Cleveland’s carriage and auto industries before being repurposed for materials handling. Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2025, with completion by end of year 2026. The project is led by MRN’s Jori Maron, a developer with more than 20 years of experience redevelop-

ing historic properties in Cleveland.

• Karam Senior Living & Walz Library (Cleveland’s west Side) — $5 million in lease revenue bonds — The Port is partnering with Northwest Neighborhoods CDC and Salus Development LLC to develop the $21.2 million Karam Senior Living featuring 51 affordable senior apartments and a new branch of the Cleveland Public Library at 7918 Detroit Avenue. The Port is providing a capital lease to provide sales tax savings to the project.

Located at West 80th Street and Detroit Avenue, Karam Senior Living will include a community room, laundry facilities, on-site parking and a wellness center. Construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 2025, with completion in Q3 2026.

Northwest Neighborhoods, a community development corporation (CDC) is the nonprofit provider of affordable housing and community development services for Cudell, Detroit Shoreway and Edgewater on Cleveland’s west side.

“The Port has been another key partner in the interconnected relationships that are ensuring success for this catalytic project,” said Bridget Kent Marquez, CDC executive director.

“The Port Authority continues to be a pivotal force in advancing redevelopment across the Cleveland region,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair. “We are proud to support these projects that will transform key sites, create much-needed housing, and enhance our communities.”

Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided more than $5.4 billion in financing for nearly 200 projects across Cuyahoga County and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic transformation. The Port’s financing initiatives have consistently catalyzed growth, revitalized communities, and strengthened northeast Ohio’s economic foundation. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains a driving force behind strategic development that shapes the region’s future.

In 2024, the Port approved 20 projects totaling $753 million in development financing — making it the second-highest revenue year for development finance in its history. The Port set a new record for revenue while keeping expenses under budget, reinforcing its commitment to fiscal responsibility and high-impact investments. 

Ohio Cat photo

On Dec. 10, 2024, Ohio Cat opened a location in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

Ohio Cat photo

Ohio Cat Rentals offers a comprehensive range of equipment and services to support various industries.

CAT from page 2

Major Project Set to Begin at Ohio University Eastern

Exciting changes are on the horizon at Ohio University Eastern.

During winter break, a significant construction project began in Shannon Hall, focusing on essential upgrades that will enhance the building’s mechanical systems and aesthetics. The project, which will span several months, promises to improve both the functionality and appearance of the interior of the building.

This project is a significant step forward for Ohio University Eastern, underscoring the University’s commitment to improving its facilities and creating a modern, efficient campus.

Construction Timeline, Phases

The project will be completed in two phases. The first phase, scheduled for the spring semester, will focus on the first floor of Shannon Hall. Work began on Dec. 16, 2024, and will continue through May 2025. The first floor will undergo a hard closure during this time, meaning that it will be completely inaccessible.

During the spring semester, all students, faculty and staff will need to use the Shannon Hall North Entrance to access the building. As classes resume in January 2025, this temporary closure will create some disruption, but Ohio University Eastern is confident that the end result will be well worth it.

The second and third phases of construction will focus on the second and third floors of Shannon Hall, with work scheduled from May 1, 2025, to Aug. 7, 2025. During the summer months, the second and third floors will also be hard-closed, and access to those areas will be restricted. For all campus members and visitors, the Main Entrance on the south side of the building will serve as the primary access point.

Critical Infrastructure, Aesthetic Upgrades

The project includes critical infrastructure upgrades that will benefit the entire campus community. The mechanical work will primarily focus on the HVAC systems, which will receive an overhaul with new ductwork and electronic controls to improve air quality and temperature regulation throughout the building.

In addition, aesthetic upgrades will include new lighting and ceiling tiles, which will create a more modern and welcoming atmosphere in the building. These improvements are designed to enhance both the functionality and appearance of Shannon Hall, ensuring that it remains a state-of-the-art

space for students, faculty and staff. Ohio University is investing a total of $3.24 million into this project, reflecting the University’s commitment to providing a high-quality educational environment for its students and employees. This investment will not only improve the overall campus experience but also help ensure that Shannon Hall meets the evolving needs of the OHIO Eastern community.

The project includes critical infrastructure upgrades that will benefit the entire campus community.

Minimizing Disruptions, Ensuring Safety

Throughout the construction process, Ohio University Eastern is dedicated to maintaining safety and accessibility for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

With the first floor closed during the spring semester and the second and third floors closed during the summer semester, the University has worked to develop alternative access points to minimize disruption. During the spring, students, staff and faculty will be directed to enter through the North Entrance. In the summer, everyone will be asked to use the Main Entrance on the south side of Shannon Hall. These efforts are in place to ensure that the construction will cause as little disruption as possible while maintaining a safe environment for all.

Looking Ahead: Brighter Future for Shannon Hall

While the construction may cause temporary closures and inconveniences, the end result will be a more modern and functional building that better serves the campus community. Ohio University Eastern is dedicated to providing an updated space that will enhance the student experience for years to come. As always, the University will keep the community informed throughout the process and appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding as these necessary upgrades are made. 

Ruhlin, Great Lakes JV Use Hydraulics to Launch Girders

“We’ve got railroads on the southern slope, powerlines, a 24/7 bus garage and school facility and waterways,” he said. “All those things are congested on the south slope, which really limits any kind of access to able to build it conventionally, and to be able to build it with a crane. So that leaned us toward launching. Not to mention, we’re also building everything upwards of 180 feet in the air, so that limits what size crane and how much we can pick up. Things get really large at those heights for equipment.”

While the project in terms of size is not particularly unusual, the girder heights are larger than commonly used, Smith said.

“We have 10-foot girder heights to make all this work and make the steel able to be launched, so some of our sized girders are a little bit different than other cases. Our girder size is really dictated around our span

ODOT photo

It involves replacing the “iconic” existing bridge that was built in 1953.

links and the fact that we’re launching. We really had to distance our pier locations from each other, which caused us to have to beef up the steel a little bit. Other locations, other projects, might have the height, but they may put the piers closer together that can reduce the overall steel size.”

Bridge columns on the project range from 80-ft. to approximately 160-ft. in height.

Crews are removing the temporary equipment used for launching the structural steel and are beginning the preparation work for laying the concrete deck.

Motorists have seen minimal impacts during construction as traffic has continued on the existing SR 8 bridge. When construction is completed on the southbound structure, traffic will be shifted onto it, the old bridge demolished and work on the northbound bridge begun.

The project is slated for completion in 2028.  CEG

At 1,500-ft. long and 180-ft. high, the blue-painted steel bridge

roads, city streets and the Little Cuyahoga River and sees approximately 114,000 vehicles a day.

ODOT photo

ODOT photo Bridge columns on the project range from 80-ft. to approximately 160-ft. in height.

ODOT photo

carries SR 8 over rail-

ODOT photo

This is the first time ODOT has used the hydraulic bridge launching method.

ODOT photo

Each section was pushed from pier to pier using rollers and hydraulic jacks which moved sections at about 40 ft. per hour. A total of six launches — totaling 1,600 ft. and 8.2 million lbs. of steel — took place through the final launch in January.

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