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Adelbert Road bridge to be replaced in 2005, construction continues
Marina Takahashi
Staff Reporter
After more than 50 years of serving the campus and community, the Adelbert Road bridge will be completely demolished and replaced in 2005, said Cleveland Department of Public Service commissioner and overseer Randall DeVaul.
“The bridge has seen its life-span cycle and is now expired,” DeVaul said. “There are structural deficiencies on the bridge, and the curb lanes are deteriorating to the point of unsafe corrosion.”
The $4 million project, headed by the Division of Engineering and Construction of Cleveland’s Department of Public Service, was visible last week when temporary measures blocked traffic and cement barriers were placed 12 feet from each sidewalk.
“The number one concern is safety,” said senior computer science major Joe Boutros, “not only to pedestrians, but also to passing traffic.”
Last semester, Boutros undertook a project with three other students – Chuck Pittenger, Tim Hays and Brian Hockett – for their ENGL 398N course to study the feasibility of replacing the Adelbert Road Bridge. The project began to stir attention, both in the campus community and the City of Cleveland. A website was posted, showing photographs of the bridge and possible solutions.
“I find it kind of interesting that nothing happened for a long time,” Boutros said. “Shortly after contacting people about the bridge, interest spurred.”
Although DeVaul was unaware of the website and the group project, he acknowledged the problems.
“These students are not off-base with their concerns,” DeVaul said. “Their concerns are noted, and we will make sure pedestrians and vehicles will be safe.”
The group addressed concerns such as the placement of temporary steel plates that cover holes on the bridge and the blocking of the bridge’s western sidewalk. Many students, who cross the bridge daily to get to and from class, had to cross the street because of the block, posing traffic hazards.
After inspecting the bridge and taking photographs of hazards, Boutros and his group members compiled a series of possible solutions, such as posting a weight limit and reinforcing the corrosion.
According to the group’s research, “approximately 9,500 cars, 50 heavy vehicles, and 7,000 pedestrians use the bridge each day.”
DeVaul commented that, although the university was notified of the construction, it did not have influence to start to the project.
“I learned through this project that things like repairs take a long time,” said Pittenger.
To view the group’s website, go to http://www.jboutros.org/adelbertbridge/.
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