US 33 Nelsonville Bypass
As part of District 10's mission to "create consistent, accurate, and open communication to the public", we have developed a site for all major construction projects. All construction information related to the US 33 Nelsonville Bypass will be maintained here for the duration of the project.
The Nelsonville Bypass is a project that’s unique in more ways than one. Originally proposed in the 1960s and construction ready in the 1970s, an oil and gas embargo limited funding and stalled the project.
Fast forward a couple decades, the project was resurrected and designated as a priority by the federal government. Just over five years ago a decision was made that would be the pivotal step the project needed.
“In December 2006, the District proposed selling a small portion in the middle of the two phase project to get our foot in the door and Phase One (Dorr Run) was born,” said T. Steve Williams, District 10 Deputy Director.
In June 2007, the contract to build Phase One was awarded while District 10 continued to develop Phases Two and Three with the intent to jump on any opportunity for funding. Funding finally came in 2009 when Stimulus funding was granted for the remaining two phases.
“With the remaining two phases funded construction began on Phases Two and Three the fall of 2009, and when combined the phases were the largest Stimulus project in the state,” said Williams.
Kokosing Construction was awarded the contract for Phase Two while Beaver Excavating Company was awarded the contract for Phase Three. As of March 2012, about 9.2 million cubic yards of dirtwork has been performed on Phase Two and 10.8 million cubic yards on Phase Three. Additionally, the plans for the Bypass included unique features like multiple wildlife and ATV crossings, wildlife fences and special bridges to protect Southern Grizzled Skipper Butterflies.
Perhaps, the most unique aspect to the project is the tribute to the city of Nelsonville and its history that’s incorporated into the aesthetics. Nelsonville was a large producer of star bricks in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These star bricks can be found in cities across the United States, they also adorn the city and streets of Nelsonville. In fact, the star bricks are such a significant part of the city’s history there’s a festival dedicated to them. To help preserve this history, the star brick design has been incorporated into the concrete railing of several bridges in Phases Two and Three.
“Bridges are one of the most visible infrastructures to a project and knowing the significance of the Bypass and how it would impact the community, the decision was made to include a piece of the city itself,” said Williams.
Phase Two is scheduled to open later this year with Phase Three opening Fall of 2013.