ODOT Announces Consultant for the Interstate 90 Central Viaduct Bridge Project

(COLUMBUS DECEMBER 14, 2005) The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced today the selection of Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. to conduct a bridge type study for the Central Viaduct Bridge in Cleveland.

Working in cooperation with the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, ODOT narrowed the initial field of six consultants to the top three. A selection committee including representatives from ODOT, Cleveland and Cuyahoga County convened on Dec.12, 2005 to hear presentations from the three final teams. The selection committee reviewed each teams qualifications and project approaches before recommending Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. to ODOT Director Gordon Proctor.

Baker was selected because of their teams experience with long-span bridges, combined with a strong local presence in Cleveland and a proven record of working with the community in the development of transportation projects. Complimenting Bakers long-span bridge experience is their association with world-renowned bridge designer Dr. Christian Menn. Dr. Menn will serve as a design consultant with Baker on the Cleveland Central Viaduct Bridge Type Study, lending his wealth of expertise in the design of signature bridges throughout the world.

The Baker design team is comprised of a collection of talented individuals and the addition of Dr. Menn will ensure the City of Cleveland receives a signature structure comparable to Dr. Menns award winning Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, said Proctor.

The Baker design team has a strong track record of successful public engagement, including their recent work with ODOT, Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland on the Fulton Road Bridge.

Baker will start work on the bridge type study in early 2006.