The Observer, January 27, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 14
More delays in bridge construction
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More delays lie ahead for the completion of the Adelbert Road Bridge on the south side of campus. Though the construction was promised to be completed by mid-summer of 2006, it has been pushed back to an estimated date of September 2006. However, even with the delayed completion date, the final bridge may very well be finished afte r the expected date. "It may not be achievable," Kenneth Basch, Vice President of Campus Planning and Operations, said.
The Adelbert Bridge was first marked for reconstruction because of its deteriorating condition, but it has been over a year since officials have blocked it off for construction. In that time, there has been very little progress on the bridge. Basch said, "All construction drawings have been completed. The project has been bid [on] and awarded." He also said that the pedestrian bridge is currently under construction.
However, after over a year, there has been no substantial progress. And with only a few months remaining before its initial projected completion date, there is little hope the project will be completed on time. Before construction of the bridge can begin, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) must obtain approval of the plans from the railroad companies that use the tracks under the bridge. According to Basch, while the approval process is taking longer than anticipated, the state and city would still like to complete construction by end of September.
Despite the reasons as to why the bridge isn't progressing as fast as anticipated, students are still complaining about the incapacitated bridge. "It's something that I don't really notice living on Northside, but could definitely become a big concern next year when we all get shipped to Southside," student Liza Bailey said.
Many students are hoping for its completion before school begins for a new academic year in fall 2006. "It definitely needs to be fixed in the near future. By the time I live on Southside, I want the project to be completed," student Kristen Peterson said.
Students have not only been questioning the completion date but also the current state of construction. "I don't have any specific complaints, so long as it stays open to pedestrian traffic. Other than that, I'm just curious why they decided to start work in the winter," student John Heintz said.
