Bridge project at Western Reserve and I-680 stays on schedule

BOARDMAN — The Western Reserve Road bridge over Interstate 680 is on track to reopen by the end of August after a 75-day closure that began June 15.

“Things are in good shape,” said Justin Chesnic, Ohio Department of Transportation District 4 spokesman.

The bridge closure is for an $8.9 million replacement and widening project that also will add a right-turn lane on westbound Western Reserve at the 680-northbound entrance ramp.

Workers have set the bridge beams and now are building the decking, Chesnic said. He expects the crew to begin pouring concrete in the next week or two, and then to build the walls.

Work on the addition of a turn lane also is set to begin next week.

“Really then it’ll just be a matter of putting the striping on and finishing touches,” Chesnic said. “Really, things are on schedule.”

Progress could always be delayed by weather, but he noted that workers got through a rain-soaked June without any problems.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com