FEEL THE IMPACT - The impact of the Port Authority's roadway/bridge project in Heath, Ohio

The "Made in Licking County Bridge" opened to traffic with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21st. The $2.9 million project is a local economic stimulus.

DESCRIPTION
The James Parkway Phase III Project was a roadway and bridge project undertaken by the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority. Construction kicked off in January 2009 with a groundbreaking and opened with a ribbon cutting on September 21, 2009. Both were attended by local officials and several of the many key people involved with the project. The $2.9 million project was funded by Port Authority resources and a grant from the Ohio Dept. of Development.

The project connects existing sections of James Parkway and Kaiser Drive with Irving Wick Drive West in Heath. It provides the manufacturing corridor, which is among the largest in Central Ohio, with modern access. It opens up 70 new acres for development, including a 60-acre rail served site. It also improves access to and security/safety at The Base.

ELEMENTS
This $2.9 million project was more than just a roadway and bridge project. There were 12 key elements of the project.

Roadway
3,000 feet of new roadway extends from Kaiser Drive north

Irving Wick
A relocated left turn lane has been installed on the east-west roadway

Bridge
A signature bridge crosses Ramp Creek at Irving Wick Drive West

Rail Crossing
James Parkway crosses the rail spur that serves Kaiser

Recreational Trail
Another leg of a recreational trail connection follows James Parkway

Main Entrance
A new "East Entry" to The Base replaces the current Irving Wick entrance

Truck Entranceway
A new, dedicated truck entranceway serves as the "South Entry" to The Base

Parking Lot
A new parking lot configuration is now labeled the East Parking Lot

Cycle Lot
A new dedicated motorcycle and bicycle parking lot opened

Development Site
A five-acre site facing the new James Parkway has taken shape

Sanitary Sewer
An extension of the Heath sewer line opens up ten acres with sewer service

Storm Sewer
A re-direct of existing storm sewers improves storm water flows

PROJECT DIARY
A regular update on the status of the project from Port Authority Project Manager John Vermaaten.

This will be the final entry for this project with the ribbon cutting today. Some final numbers of interest that were included in the time capsule placed in the bridge wall. More than 45 compaies worked on this project and of those 30 are from Licking County. More than 231 people worked on this project and 130 of those workers live in Licking County. These companies and workers helped to bring this project in under budget and one month ahead of schedule. GREAT JOB TO ALL!
Updated: September 21, 2009 12:45ET

See the Project Diary Archive »

INFO
Track progress, read about the project in news reports, watch LIVE on ProjectCams, and see project photos.

Photos
Uploaded project photos.
Recent Photo

See the Photo Album »

News Clips
Recent news reports.
  Port Authority News Release
  Bridge Fact Sheet
  Advocate Article - Sept. 7

Progress
The thermometer measures completion.

MADE IN
LICKING COUNTY
130 people and 30 companies with Licking County ties had a hand in making this roadway/bridge project a reality. Many of the contractors, suppliers, and service providers for the roadway/bridge project are located in Licking County or employ Licking County residents in work on the project.

Layton Excavating
NEWARK
General contractor headquartered in Newark, Ohio

Holophane
UTICA
Bridge and street lighting manufactured at Utica plant

Armstrong Steel Erectors
NEWARK
Bridge construction subcontractor from downtown Newark

Jobes Henderson
NEWARK
Consulting engineers and surveying

Reese, Pyle, Drake, & Meyer
NEWARK
Legal counsel for land acquisition and rail crossing authority

Triple "H" Enterprise
NEWARK
Parking lot striping

Bowden Construction
NEWARK
Electrical, Site lighting

L&K Concrete Sawing & Drilling
HANOVER
Concrete finishing

The Shelly Company
ST. LOUISVILLE
Asphalt paving, materials from local asphalt plant

United Precast
MT. VERNON
Bridge precast structures, employs Licking County residents

The Olen Company
ST. LOUISVILLE
Gravel materials

Buckeye Ready Mix
NEWARK
Concrete products

Top Cat Concrete
BUCKEYE LAKE
Concrete

Redskin Transport
ST. LOUISVILLE
Limestone materials