Bridge renovation halts for peregrine falcons

Local News

Discussion

February 7, 2008

Approval gained for cheaper replacement bridge

By MARY MUSIC The Daily Independent Thu Feb 07, 2008, 09:55 PM EST

RUSSELL — The Ohio Department of Transportation expected renovations on the Ironton-Russell Bridge to begin this month, but the livelihood of some of Ironton’s feathered friends took precedence over the project.

The $1.2 million preservation project, delayed for the second time, is now slated for the summer months to avoid the nesting season of peregrine falcons that live on the bridge.

Officials with ODOT and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were concerned about the effect the project could have on the habitat of the peregrine falcons, a protected bird species in Ohio that nests on the bridge from mid-March to early June.

Officials were also concerned about the safety of its workers. The falcons can become aggressive if threatened.

After streamlining the rehabilitation project bid request to get a better price, ODOT awarded the $1.2 million bid for the project to Armstrong Steel Erector, an Ohio-based construction company. But since the start date has been pushed from a previous expected completion date in July to October 31, ODOT must rebid the project again, ODOT spokeswoman Kathleen Fuller said. ODOT anticipates rebidding the project in April.

In a press release, ODOT District 9 Deputy Director James Brushart reported pushing the project back will not pose a safety hazard for motorists who use the bridge.

“ODOT is committed to environmental stewardship,” he said. “Our citizens demand a high-quality transportation system, put in place with sensitivity to the environment.”

Officials will discuss “renewed efforts” to limit the amount of heavier truck traffic on the bridge. Over the years, weight limits on the bridge have been reduced numerous times.

The rehabilitation project is geared toward maintaining the bridge until another bridge can be constructed.

Plans to build a new bridge are still on schedule, ODOT reported. The U.S. Coast Guard approved design plans that allow Ohio to place a second tower in the Ohio River, which would provide a more economical and symmetrical design of the new bridge. The original design plans called for a single tower that cost more money and, with an option of building two towers in the river, ODOT now has the opportunity for various other bridge designs, Fuller said.

ODOT expects to have final design plans for the replacement project completed by the summer of 2009.

The Ironton-Russell Bridge, spanning the Ohio River between Ironton, Ohio, and Russell, opened to traffic in 1922.

In 2006, the lowest bid to build a new bridge was more than $109 million, about 28 percent more than the $85 million estimated by ODOT.

MARY MUSIC can be reached at mmusic@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2657.

Text Only

Local News

Shepherd hopes to make ruling Tuesday
A Franklin circuit judge said Monday he hopes to issue a ruling by Tuesday on some lawmakers’ challenge to a state legislative redistricting plan passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear.

February 6, 2012
SLIDESHOW: Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI The New York Giants won their fourth Super Bowl and eighth NFL championship Sunday in Indianapolis, scoring in the final minute to defeat New England 21-17.
February 6, 2012 1 Photo
APD receives various theft reports
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:

February 6, 2012
Russell team takes rival in regional
Russell Middle School academic team coach John VanHoose said everyone was feeling the pressure from season-long rivals Verity Middle School as members worked to claim top scores during Saturday’s Region 18 Middle School Governor’s Cup competition.

February 6, 2012
Family traditions
Ralph Stanley II doesn’t complain when people talk about his daddy.

February 6, 2012
KSP trooper to perform in tribute concert
A Kentucky State Police trooper will trade his gray uniform for a sequined white jumpsuit next month to raise money to assist a cancer patient and several other causes.

February 6, 2012
What's happening: 2/6/12
The Kyova branch of the Boyd County Public Librart will host the Tax-Aide Program, conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.

February 5, 2012
Spirit strong for community event
Ashland’s Community Souper Bowl Party was so spirited, many in the crowd didn’t even realize there was a football game on the big screen.

February 5, 2012
Old union hall wall gives way
City workers in Catlettsburg were called to an emergency situation a few minutes before kickoff of the Super Bowl on Sunday when the front wall of an old union hall collapsed onto Main Street, according to Mayor Randal Peterman.

February 5, 2012
Mom, daughter share Scouting experience
After 13 years with the Girl Scouts, Chrissy Moore said she still likes to wear her vest, and she’s particularly proud of the patches and badges she’s collected.

February 5, 2012
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Bridge renovation halts for peregrine falcons

Approval gained for cheaper replacement bridge

Site Map

Contact Us