KNOX COUNTY – On Dec. 15, the Knox County Board of Commissioners approved the Caves Road Bridge project, which is slated to be completed in 2022 once plans have been finalized in 2021, the Board said.
The project will be completed by E.P. Ferris & Associates Inc., a reputed construction firm based in Ohio. The Mount Vernon News spoke with Clint Cochran, deputy engineer for the Knox County Engineer office.
"Plans for the project will be done in 2021, and the bridge is scheduled to be built in 2022," Cochran said. "The project is entirely funded through the Bridge Partnership Fund, which is handled by the state."
GARVEE bonds and toll credits are the primary source of funding. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will pay back the GARVEE bonds within the next 12 years.
In general, projects of this size command a big price tag, and this one is no different. The estimated cost for the Caves Road Bridge is approximately $300,000, but that number could increase throughout the building process.
Cochran said that Caves Bridge Road will be entirely replaced.
"We are removing the existing bridge and are going to build a brand-new bridge with concrete abutments," as well as other structural improvements, he explained. Further construction plans and ancillary details are set to be released throughout 2021 by ODOT, which also handles funding through the Higher Partnership Bridge Fund.
E.P. Ferris & Associates Inc. has had pre-qualified status from ODOT for 25 years. The company first opened its doors in 1987 and was founded by Edward P. Ferris, PE, PS, and CEO.
"The quality of our product is a direct reflection of who we are," the company's website said.
COVID-19 has posed a great challenge for construction crews across Ohio, particularly with projects requiring indoor construction and interaction with residents. Nevertheless, Cochran does not expect the coronavirus to impact the project, which doesn't begin construction until next year.
"We don't anticipate any delays on planning and construction related to COVID-19," he said.
The Bridge Partnership Fund, introduced in 2013 by Gov. John Kasich, provides $110 million of investment to repair and replace over 200 bridges across Ohio. All aspects of the program are 100% funded by the federal government.
Total road closure durations for bridge replacement projects is 45-60 days, per state guidelines. Additional information regarding the project will be made available throughout 2021 as final details are approved by ODOT.
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