The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking comments regarding the replacement of three culverts along Ohio 65 in Washington and Middleton townships.
The project includes replacing the culvert(s) and repairing the embankment at locations: 5.63 (just south of Ohio235 (Otsego Pike)), 9.38 (Route 65 and King Road) and 13.45 (just south of Roachton Road).
All three culverts have deteriorated over time and now need to be replaced, according to an ODOT press release.
The culvert at location 9.38 is unique – it is considered a historic culvert that is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a good example of a stone slab top culvert and especially significant as a rare example of a bi-level stone broken back culvert.
However, over time, soil from the embankment behind the culvert has seeped through the cut stone blocks, resulting in sinkholes developing around and above the culvert on Route 65. This has led to maintenance issues and safety concerns for the traveling public. ODOT and the design consultant performed a feasibility study to determine the best course of action to address the maintenance concerns for the culvert. Based on the study and the significant costs associated with rehabilitation, removal and replacement of the culvert was determined to be the best alternative going forward.
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires agency officials to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties.
The Section 106 process seeks to incorporate historic values into project planning through consultation among agencies, and other parties, with an interest in the effects of the undertaking on historic properties. Individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in the effects of the undertaking on historic properties can apply to become a Section 106 consulting party.
The various consulting parties work together to discuss options, provide multiple viewpoints, and strive to seek common agreement on the incorporation of historic preservation values into the project. Anhyone interested in becoming a Section 106 consulting party for the undertaking, should send information to:
Phoenix Golnick, district environmental coordinator
Ohio Department of Transportation – District 2
317 E. Poe Road
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Email: [email protected], phone: 419-373-4329
It is anticipated that the project will impact nearby streams and will require waterway permits. A small amount of suitable wooded bat habitat is also expected to be impacted by the project; however, any necessary tree removal will occur between Oct. 1 and March 31 to protect these species during their summer roosting period. Permanent right-of-way and temporary right-of-way (for construction) is anticipated to be needed for the project. Relocation of some utilities will also be required.
Traffic during construction at all three sites will be detoured. The SLM 5.63 and SLM 9.38 culverts will have a combined detour. Northbound traffic toward these culverts will be rerouted to SR 295 to CR 424 to SR 64 and reverse for southbound traffic. Northbound traffic toward the SLM 13.45 culvert will be rerouted to SR 582 then to SR 25 and reverse for southbound traffic. All access to properties will be maintained throughout construction. Construction is currently scheduled to begin summer 2024 and is expected to last approximately four months.
Questions and comments are invited. Issues to comment on include, but are not limited to, the effect of the project on local residents, air quality, the local economy, floodplains, and historic or cultural resources. Submit them no later than March 21 via the website and/or contact information below.
Project information and materials (handout, exhibits, comment form) may be requested from the contact below or can be viewed and commented on the project website at the following link: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/93680.
Individuals who require interpretation services or a reasonable accommodation to provide comments should contact the project no later than March 3:
Email: [email protected] or call 419-373-4465
Mail comment form or letter to:
Adam Barnes
Ohio Department of Transportation – District 2
317 East Poe Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402
