Purpose of Work Shop

Share Ohio’s experience with a full closure reconstruction: the rationale, challenges,

implementation and benefit

Background

Statewide interstate reconstruction effort underway in Ohio to rebuild aging, heavily

traveled highways and make them safer for 21st Century traffic.

ODOT is looking for creative ways to repair these roads while minimizing the negative impact to our

customers

Interstate 670

When originally built during the ’60s, the 1.7 mile stretch of urban highway was considered state of

the art.

However traffic long outgrew the original design making it difficult to navigate and a high-accident

location

Map of SSI Projects

Project History

I-670 segment one of 15 projects worth $225 million to rebuild and redesign the downtown Columbus innerbelt and complete the missing

link in Ohio’s interstate system.

More History …

• The work stalled for decades due to environmental regulations, lawsuits and lack of

funding.

• Work began on the projects during the early ’90s using operating-cost savings from ODOT.

Today only two projects remain.

Benefit

When the work is completed in the fall, motorists will be able to travel directly from the west to

east side of Columbus on a newer, safer, wider highway.

Why Full Closure?

• Given the long history of the project, ODOT and Columbus eager to complete remaining projects quickly

• ODOT could cut construction schedule by more than half using full closure vs. part-

width

Project Scope

• Reconstructing and building new 1.7 miles of urban freeway including 21 bridges and 10 ramps

• Cost: $50 million

• Highway tightly bordered by historic neighborhoods, convention center and emerging business and arena districts

Existing Condition

• Two narrow lanes in each direction with little shoulder area

• Geometric deficiencies: sharp curves, short merge areas and ramps spaced too close

• Disrepair: crumbling concrete on bridges, medians and shoulders, rough road surface

Pix disrepair

Why Full Closure on I-670

• Cut Construction from 4 years to 18 months

• Reduce the potential for accidents

• Worker Safety (difference in elevation)

• Reduce Driver Confusion

• Better Quality and Reduced Cost

• Experience with Full Closure (SR 315)

Process

To pursue a full-closure approach, ODOT had to gather the facts and “build the case,” then

present the information to key decision makers for support.

Analysis

• Traffic – where will the traffic go? Can the system support it?

• User Delay Costs – closing vs. maintaining traffic

• Life-cycle costs

Building Support

Once we gathered the data, we had to “sell” the idea to key decision-makers.

• Mayor and Local Public Officials

• ODOT Executive Leadership

• Public

Support was relatively easy to come by given the clear benefits.

Implementation

Enacting the closure was easy.

• One week of prep for signs

• One day to close (weekend)

• Two weeks of traffic monitoring (Field, TMC and LEOs)

Public Outreach

The hardest part of the full closure is the outreach needed to prepare the public.

This effort began about six months in advance and continued at a steady pace leading up to and

after the closure. It also involved the public relations AND construction staff.

Key Audience

• Motorists

• Businesses

• Residents

• Public Officials/Opinion Leaders

• Emergency Responders

• Schools

• Media

Type of Communication

• Fact Sheets

• Custom Flyers for nearby businesses

• Web site (www.I-670.org)

• Group and One-on-One Presentations

• Media (pitched various news angles)

• Government Channel

• E-mail Updates – progress reports and traffic info

Key Messages

• Benefits of work (new, safer, wider highway, direct connection, completes interstate, design enhancements)

• Efforts to minimize construction delays (4 yrs to 18 mos, incentives/disincentives)

• Alternate Routes and Commuting Strategies

Construction Progress

Work is currently 2/3 complete and on-time thanks to:

• $20,000 per day Liquidated Savings

• High-community profile

• Contractor has unrestricted access to work site

Would you use the full closure again?

Yes! ODOT’s experience has been positive and we would use a full closure again under the right

conditions.

Right Conditions

• Small section of roadway

• Tight physical constraints

• Variety of good alternate routes

• Clear public benefit

“Building the case” and communicating the benefits is key!

Future Contracting Innovation

Increasing public demand for less work zone congestion and the success of innovative

projects have given ODOT the courage to try new techniques.

• Innovative Contracting Policy

• Fast Track Bridge Construction

QUESTIONS?