Important connection to be reestablished for businesses, travelers

Garfield Heights (Wednesday, October 27, 2010) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the City of Berea today officially reopened the Front Street Bridge over the CSX and Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks.

Neighbors and friends joined laborers, construction personnel and project officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate.

“Transportation plays a key role in how we keep Ohio a leading player in the national and global economy and how we continue to drive business growth and prosperity,” said District 12 Deputy Director Bonita G. Teeuwen, P.E.  “The 3C Passenger Rail Plan is a perfect example as the trains will pass directly under these bridges.  Not only will the 3C passenger rail provide safe and efficient travel choice for residents here in Berea, but more importantly it will create jobs.”

The bridge officially reopened to vehicular traffic shortly after the celebration.

The Front Street Bridge project was put in motion by the City of Berea to alleviate traffic delays caused by the increasing amount of train activity along the CSX and Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks that intersected Front Street.  The $18 million project will increase traffic flow efficiencies and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions by cars waiting on passing trains. 

Front Street was closed on May 4, 2009.  The entire project reconstructed nearly half-a-mile along Front Street and constructed three new bridges over the CSX and Norfolk Southern train tracks and an access road.  Nearly three miles of new storm sewers, sanitary sewers and waterlines were placed and 239 new drainage structures were installed.

 The intersection of Lou Groza Boulevard and Depot Street was re-aligned and new, overhead signals and decorative lights were placed along Front Street north of Fourth Avenue.

Minor operations will continue through June 2011 with little or no impacts to traffic.  Approximately 14,650 vehicles use the bridge each day.

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For more information contact:
The ODOT District 12 Communications Office at 216.584.2005

or email D12.PublicInformation@dot.state.oh.us