Spring is here and construction season is underway at the Lucas County engineer’s office.
The county has 19 projects totaling more than $13 million in funding from federal, state and local sources, ranging from road resurfacing and roundabouts to bridge repair and traffic safety improvements.
“We are excited to kick off the Lucas County engineer’s office 2023 construction season, which is the largest our office has ever executed,” County Engineer Mike Pniewski said. “We look forward to providing the citizens of Lucas County better roads, bridges and drainage improve ments.” The first major project, construction of a new roundabout at Brint and Centennial roads in Sylvania Township, began April 3. Work will take approximately 45 days and is being performed by Crestline Paving and Excavating of Toledo.
When complete, it will result in a significantly lower risk of crashes that cause death and serious injury, while providing good traffic flow along the Centennial Road corridor.
Other projects include more than 17 miles of resurfacing work, installation of a traffic signal on the University Parks Trail to improve safely crossing King Road and several bridge repairs. All road closures and detours can be found online at the website, co.lucas.oh.us/3422/Lucas-County-Engineers-Office on the “Road Closure Map.”
Work zone safety and the safety of workers is a top priority. According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, there were 4,628 work zone-related crashes in Ohio last year, 21 were deadly resulting in 23 deaths, and 85 involved serious injuries.
“We ask our citizens to be patient as we work to improve our infrastructure,” Mr. Pniewski said. “Keep our workers safe by giving them plenty of room so they can get back to their families every day.”
He advises motorists to plan their route ahead of time, be aware of any work zones and avoid them if possible.
“Pay attention to your surroundings such as signs and workers, and avoid distractions including cell phones, eating and drinking,” he said, adding, “Slow down when approaching a work zone and give workers plenty of space.”
Ohio’s Move Over law requires drivers to move over a lane for vehicles with flashing lights. If drivers cannot safely move over, they are required to slow down.
The county engineer reminds drivers that Ohio’s new distracted driving law, which makes texting while driving a primary offense, took effect April 4.
All 2023 projects can be found online on the CIP Map.
